ROV Mechanical / Systems Engineer in Southampton

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.

About the role

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the MARS group as an ROV Mechanical/Systems Engineer. You will join a close-knit, dedicated and enthusiastic multidisciplinary team operating our ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) and Towed Underwater Systems worldwide. The ROV Engineer will provide engineering and operational support as part of the ROV team and will also work closely with the other teams within MARS. The role will support the Isis ROV and other deep towed equipment, and maintain, service and upgrade the systems back at base. The focus of the team’s work is to support the marine science community in efforts to understand the ocean. The role offers an exciting opportunity to operate and advance a key capability at the forefront of marine science.

Key responsibilities

• Providing support for operations involving the MARS fleet, including vehicle preparation, maintenance, calibration, mobilisation, and operational deployments from shore-bases or research vessels.
• Carrying out vehicle development, integrating new sensors, troubleshooting problems and improving performance.
• Working with the MARS development team to assist with the development of vehicles.
• Driving continuous improvement in ROV operations by working collaboratively with the team to review, refine, and enhance operational procedures.
• Work with commissioning scientists to help design ROV operations to best address their science questions.
• Contribute to MARS’ internal (NOC) and external relationships, such as with UK and international users, institutes, organisations and government bodies.

About you

Ideal candidate profile:

• Be qualified to HNC/HND or higher in a directly relevant engineering discipline, degree level or higher in a related discipline, or have relevant experience in ROVs/ROTVs.
• Have a broad engineering knowledge with a basic understanding of physics, mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical systems, and software development.
• Have an ability to understand technical challenges, and a strong track record of providing well-considered technical solutions to engineering problems.
• Have experience working in a marine engineering area (preferably with ROVs) or a closely related discipline.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and excellent attention to detail.
• Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, with strong interpersonal skills, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Plan and manage your work independently given broad direction, contributing effectively to the team both ashore and at sea.
• Be self-motivated, flexible and innovative, with the ability to resolve issues under challenging situations at sea and deliver high-quality, reliable work at base.
• Be prepared to work up to 90 days at sea each year.
• A working knowledge of ROVs or towed underwater systems would be highly desirable.
• Experience working in engineering design and development, as well as conducting trials or operations of complex electromechanical systems would be desirable.

Why the NOC?

Benefits include:

• 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. The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week.

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.