Remotely Operated Vehicle Systems Lead

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Remotely Operated Vehicle Systems Lead.

Location:

Marine Research Center
1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States

Division:
Ocean Enterprise

Position Type:
Staff

Employment Status:
Full Time

Grant Funded:
Yes

Posting Close Date:
Five Days After Posted

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Systems Lead establishes and leads an ROV operations center at the Roger

F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise in support of research, testing, and applied ocean operations. This role provides technical and operational leadership for ROV systems, including system readiness,maintenance, staffing, and at-sea operations. The position oversees day-to-day operations, supervises technical staff, and ensures safe, compliant, and effective use of ROV assets. The ROV Systems Lead builds partnerships with industry, academic, government, and non-profit organizations to support research collaboration, workforce development, and service delivery.

The role manages project planning, budgets, and reporting related to ROV operations in coordination with Center leadership. This position supports innovation and continuous improvement in undersea technologies and operational practices.

• Establishes and operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) facility at the Roger
  
  F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise, including oversight of system readiness, facilities needs, inventory, and safety compliance.
• Ensures ROV systems, tooling, and supporting infrastructure are properly maintained and available to support research, testing, and at-sea operations; participates in field operations as required and sea trials and scientific verification activities.
• Leads and supervises technical staff supporting ROV, engineering, and survey operations, ensuring adequate staffing, training, and operational coverage.
• Collaborates with academic units to support workforce development, including internships and training programs in ROV operations, robotics, survey technologies, and autonomous systems.
• Builds and manages relationships with industry, academic, government, and non-profit partners to support use of ROV assets, research collaboration, and workforce development initiatives.
• Develops recommended service offerings and pricing models, manages project plans, schedules, and budgets, and ensures compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
• Supports research and innovation initiatives to advance undersea technologies and continuously improve ROV operations, safety practices, and service delivery.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Oceanography, Meteorology or a related field; and five (5) years of experience working with ROVs in operational or test & measurement environments or; ten (10) years of experience working with ROVs in operationalor test & measurement environment and at least five (5) years of experience leading technical teams or field operations. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirements.

Ability to obtain aTransportation Worker Identification Card immediately after hire.

• Advanced knowledge of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems, subsystems, and engineering interdependencies in operational and test environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading at-sea operations, including safe deployment, recovery, and operation of ROV systems.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and develop technical teams supporting engineering, survey, and field operations.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of complex technical operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, support procurement, and exercise financial stewardship for technical…