Manufacturing Vessel Operator/Driver in Southampton

Manufacturing Vessel Operator/Driver in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Sonardyne International Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Operate vessels, support marine testing, and ensure safe transport and launch of equipment.
  • Company: Join a pioneering tech company making oceans accessible for over 50 years.
  • Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on safety and quality.
  • Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that push the boundaries of marine technology.
  • Qualifications: Full UK driving licence, towing experience, and a passion for marine operations.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

From the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on earth, to surging shorelines and anywhere in-between, we make the impossible possible through our continuous passion for innovation. Our people design, engineer and manufacture technologies that are enabling our customers to discover, navigate, measure, detect and communicate in the toughest environment on earth: Our oceans. We have been actively developing the technology to make the oceans accessible for over 50 years and we are only just getting started.

We are looking for a practical, adaptable and safety-focused individual to join our Production Team in a hands-on operational role supporting marine testing, calibration and manufacturing activities. This position combines vessel operations, towing and transport responsibilities with technical production support. The successful candidate will help deliver calibration and testing activities across inland and coastal environments, while ensuring the safe transport, launch and operation of vessels and associated equipment. Working closely with Production, Engineering and Applications teams, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality marine technology systems through a proactive, detail-oriented and collaborative approach.

Key Responsibilities

  • Marine Operations
  • Towing & Transport
    • Safely tow vessels and trailers (up to 3.5 tonnes) across the UK and, on occasion, Europe.
    • Carry out pre-journey inspections and ensure compliance with UK towing and road transport regulations.
    • Maintain accurate transport documentation and vehicle records.
    • Promote safe loading, securing and transportation practices at all times.
  • Launch & Recovery
    • Launch and recover vessels from a range of slipways and operational sites.
    • Ensure the safe handling and securing of equipment during deployment and recovery activities.
  • Vessel Operations
    • Operate vessels in support of engineering trials, production testing and calibration activities.
    • Support the use of onboard 12V electronics, networking and NMEA systems.
    • Work collaboratively with engineering teams to support accurate positioning, testing and data collection.
    • Carry out routine maintenance checks on vessels and trailers, escalating issues where required.
  • Safety & Compliance
    • Follow maritime and road transport safety procedures and company policies.
    • Carry out risk assessments and maintain a safety-first approach in all operational activities.
    • Support safe team working practices, including non-lone working requirements.
    • Coordinate vessel availability and scheduling with Production and Engineering teams.
  • Engineering & Technical Support
    • Support manufacturing and systems testing activities.
    • Interpret and review test data against calibration and pass/fail criteria.
    • Assist Applications Engineering teams with technical initiatives and development activities.
    • Support in-house calibration processes using company test facilities and test tanks.
    • Maintain accurate records and documentation associated with testing and calibration work.
    • Use IT systems confidently, particularly Microsoft Excel and networked environments.
  • Delivery & Logistics Support
    • Complete scheduled deliveries and collections of equipment, components and materials.
    • Follow planned delivery routes and schedules efficiently and professionally.
    • Load and unload equipment safely and accurately.
  • Planning & Coordination
    • Work closely with Vessel Operations, Production Planning and Production teams to support calibration and delivery scheduling in line with operational demand.

What We’re Looking For

  • Essential Skills & Experience
    • Full UK driving licence with B+E towing entitlement.
    • Experience towing trailers and launching/recovering vessels.
    • Good understanding of maritime safety and navigation practices.
    • Background in systems testing, electronics, manufacturing or technical engineering support.
    • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
    • Flexible approach to working hours and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight stays.
  • Desirable Skills & Qualifications
    • RYA Powerboat Level 2 (or higher) with commercial endorsement.
    • Experience supporting marine engineering, survey or scientific trials.
    • Familiarity with marine navigation or underwater technology systems.
    • First Aid at Sea or STCW certification.

Behaviours & Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced operational environment.
  • A proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Effective prioritisation and decision-making skills.
  • Resilience and accountability under pressure.
  • Collaborative working and positive relationship-building skills.
  • Commitment to safety, professionalism and company values.

Manufacturing Vessel Operator/Driver in Southampton employer: Sonardyne International Limited

At Sonardyne, we pride ourselves on being an innovative leader in marine technology, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a strong focus on safety and teamwork, making us an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the marine industry. Located in a vibrant area with access to diverse coastal environments, our team enjoys a unique blend of hands-on operational roles and technical support, ensuring every day brings new challenges and rewards.

Sonardyne International Limited

Contact Details:

Sonardyne International Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Vessel Operator/Driver in Southampton

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Sonardyne's projects and values, especially their focus on innovation in marine technology. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Having a chat with someone already in the company can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for practical assessments! Since the role involves hands-on operations, brush up on your vessel handling and towing skills. Practising these tasks can give you the confidence to shine during any practical evaluations.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Sonardyne and ready to dive into the exciting challenges ahead.

We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Vessel Operator/Driver in Southampton

Full UK driving licence with B+E towing entitlement
Experience towing trailers
Launching and recovering vessels
Understanding of maritime safety and navigation practices
Background in systems testing
Electronics knowledge
Manufacturing support experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Innovation:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for marine technology shine through! We love seeing candidates who are excited about making the impossible possible, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your innovative spirit.

Be Specific About Your Skills:Make sure to detail your experience with towing, vessel operations, and any technical support you've provided. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on the specifics—mention any relevant qualifications or certifications you have!

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked in multidisciplinary teams before and how you contributed to achieving common goals.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sonardyne International Limited

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of maritime safety and navigation practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and systems mentioned in the job description, like 12V electronics and NMEA systems. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the technical aspects involved.

Show Off Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous experience with towing trailers and launching/recovering vessels. Prepare specific examples that highlight your skills in these areas, as well as any relevant certifications like RYA Powerboat Level 2. This will help demonstrate that you have the practical skills needed for the job.

Safety First!

Since safety is a big part of this role, be prepared to talk about how you prioritise safety in your work. Think of examples where you've had to conduct risk assessments or follow safety procedures. This will show that you take safety seriously and can contribute to a safe working environment.

Be a Team Player

This position requires collaboration with various teams, so be ready to discuss how you work effectively in a team setting. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlight your adaptability and flexibility, as these traits are key to thriving in this role.