Lead Prototyping & Commissioning Engineer in Southampton

We are using and creating technology to transform operations at sea to enable people and the planet to thrive. We are open-minded and fearless in our approach to innovation and don't believe in boundaries. We challenge everything and have massive ambitions to drag aging industries into the tech era. We take safety, equality and education very seriously, and our responsibilities don't stop at our front door. Our business is built on the belief that there's definitely a more environmentally responsible way to operate at sea. We employ people who share our core values. We expect our people to be courageous, trustworthy, and conscientious, driven by a desire to do the right thing. We strive for excellence, work collaboratively, and are genuinely excited by our work. We offer opportunities for our people to develop beyond their role and span a multitude of disciplines. These are open to all, regardless of background and experience level. Working with us means being part of a team that is harnessing technology and creativity to disrupt a traditional industry. We are not your average workplace.

Lead the prototyping, testing and commissioning of hardware systems across Ocean Infinity’s product portfolio. The role is responsible for ensuring that hardware and integrated systems meet original design requirements and are ready for deployment and operational use. This role connects engineering design with real-world performance, validating that products function as intended in both controlled and operational environments. It also ensures that users are trained effectively and that systems can be deployed safely and reliably. The Lead Prototype and Commissioning Engineer is accountable for test strategy, commissioning standards and team delivery, supporting the transition from design into working, deployable systems.

What will you do:

• Lead the Prototype, Commissioning and Testing team, setting direction, priorities and performance standards
• Own the prototyping and commissioning lifecycle from early concept builds through to system validation and deployment readiness
• Work with Product Design and Systems Integration teams to ensure hardware and systems meet original requirements
• Define and manage testing approaches across physical and simulated environments
• Develop and maintain testing and training capability, including facilities, processes and tools
• Ensure systems are commissioned, validated and ready for operational use in marine and remote environments
• Support the development of deployable systems and ensure they perform reliably under real-world conditions
• Establish and maintain standards for testing, commissioning and validation
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements across all testing activities
• Identify and manage risks related to system performance, safety and reliability
• Work closely with Software, Systems Engineering and Product teams to identify and resolve issues early
• Oversee training of end users to ensure safe and effective operation of systems
• Maintain clear and accurate records of testing outcomes, validation results and quality metrics
• Provide regular updates to senior stakeholders on system readiness, risks and performance
• Drive continuous improvement across testing, commissioning and training processes

What good looks like:

• Hardware systems meet design requirements and perform reliably in real operational conditions
• Testing and commissioning processes are consistent, structured and repeatable
• Systems are deployable with minimal rework following validation
• Users are trained and confident in operating systems safely and effectively
• Risks are identified early and managed before deployment
• The team delivers at pace while maintaining high standards of quality and safety

Qualifications and experience:

• Degree or equivalent experience in engineering or a related field
• Strong experience in prototyping, testing and commissioning of hardware systems
• Hands-on experience with electrical, hydraulic or mechanical systems
• Good understanding of system integration and validation
• Experience working in complex or high integrity environments such as marine, robotics, defence or aerospace
• Experience leading or mentoring engineers within a testing or commissioning environment
• Strong attention to detail and problem solving capability
• Able to prioritise work effectively in a fast paced environment
• Clear communicator with the ability to work across technical and non-technical teams
• Comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of delivery

Desirable:

• Experience in marine, subsea or autonomous systems
• Experience developing or running testing facilities or environments
• Understanding of safety and compliance standards in engineering environments
• Experience working with external manufacturing or integration partners

What you can expect:

At Ocean Infinity, we believe in creating equal opportunities for all, celebrating each and everyone’s differences. We are driven by transforming the industry, through our technology, thoughts, behaviours and actions. Being inclusive and respectful to all is fundamental to who we are. It is the right thing to do and enables innovation and creativity to thrive. There is more work to be done, and we know that we aren’t perfect, but our commitment to these values is unwavering. They are central to our mission and the impact we have on the industry, meaning, we cannot live without them.

Compliance:

• All Employees comply with Ocean Infinity Policies, practices, programs and procedures as described in the Ocean Infinity management system
• Successfully complete required training as identified by Ocean Infinity Training Program
• Participate in improving the Ocean Infinity management system by reporting events, attending meetings and workshops, reporting problems, and recommending improvements, and other related activities
• Inform their manager / responsible person of any unidentified risks, hazards, or system deficiencies in the workplace by using Stop Work authority, SOB card reporting, Incident reporting or by reporting directly to relevant personnel
• Communicate and implement Ocean Infinity’s policies and procedures and their requirements to employees, visitors, and contractors
• Support Ocean Infinity’s Health & Safety, Environmental and Social goals

Salary: The salary varies for this position as we are recruiting in multiple regional locations and job grades. The salary process is based on skills, abilities, and experience required.