Engineering Technician - Ocean Engineering Team

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes. The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced engineer to join the Ocean Engineering Group as an Engineering Technician. You will be joining a well-established and highly skilled team who operate a large and diverse fleet of equipment and machinery used to obtain oceanographic data.

The shore side role will be based at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) here in Southampton and will involve the preparation, testing, maintenance and development of the ocean engineering group’s equipment such as coring and sampling equipment, seismic survey systems, handling equipment such as winches, davits and launch and recovery systems. This is primarily a workshop-based role but may see you working remotely on occasion as required.

The sea going role is primarily based on two vessels R.R.S James Cook and R.R.S Discovery but may see you working and operating on other foreign vessels as required. The ships are full ocean going vessels and as such operate all over the world. This part of the job will require you to operate and maintain the equipment working alongside other engineering departments, ship’s crew and the scientific teams.

The ideal candidate will have recognised qualifications in a related engineering discipline, a broad engineering knowledge in a mechanical and/or electrical engineering capacity, and a willingness to progress and learn. They will need to be pro-active, self-motivated, flexible, and can resolve and create solutions to issues in sometimes isolated and challenging environments. They will need to be a contributing team member producing a high quality of work. This role will require you to commit to around 90 days per year at sea with an expedition ranging from 2-6 weeks on average, this includes being able to travel globally. Each day may attract an allowance amounting to approximately £13,000 per year at current rates.

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
• we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard. Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted: 09/06/2025. Closing date: 07/07/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.