At Sonardyne, we don’t just work offshore — we help define what’s possible beneath the surface. As part of our continued growth, we’re looking for a Vessel Skipper / Operator Maintainer to join our Plymouth-based team, supporting operations, trials, and customer-facing activities across the UK.
This is a hands‑on, varied role for someone who thrives in a practical environment, enjoys time on the water, and takes pride in keeping operations running smoothly.
If you join, you will be responsible for :
The safe operation, maintenance, and support of Sonardyne vessels and associated equipment. Working closely with the wider Customer Support Group, you’ll play a key role in enabling offshore and coastal activities, from trials and demonstrations to internal operations.
This role combines vessel handling with practical technical support, requiring a proactive and adaptable approach.
What You’ll be Doing
- Skippering and maintaining Sonardyne vessels in line with regulatory and safety requirements
- Supporting offshore and coastal operations, including occasional transits and UK travel
- Assisting with trials, demonstrations, and exhibitions
- Carrying out routine maintenance and basic fault finding on equipment
- Supporting safe lifting, rigging, and handling activities where required
- Ensuring high standards of health, safety, and operational compliance
- Working collaboratively with internal teams and supporting visits to Head Office when needed
About you:
You’ll be someone who is:
- Reliable, trustworthy, and able to work independently and remain effective in a dynamic environment
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Adaptable and able to respond to changing operational demands
- Organised, with the ability to manage priorities and deadlines
- Customer‑focused, with a commitment to delivering high standards
What we are looking for:
- Background in the marine industry
- Health & Safety training within a relevant working environment
- Ability to safely handle equipment (up to 25 kg, with appropriate support where required)
- Full UK driving licence
- A practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem‑solving skills
- Experience with craning, rigging, and lifting operations
- Familiarity with Sonardyne equipment (or similar systems)
- Basic marine engineering knowledge
- Basic electrical and wiring skills
Why Join Sonardyne?
You’ll be joining a team that values expertise, collaboration, and innovation — working on projects that make a real impact in the marine and subsea world. No two days are the same, and you’ll be part of a supportive environment where your contribution genuinely matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vessel Skipper / Operator Maintainer Production, Engineering in Plymouth
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Some tips for your application 🫡
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Sonardyne specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sonardyne
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Sonardyne, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Sonardyne value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
