ROV Engineering Manager

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent Full time (37 hours per week) ​ £54,047 - £59,449

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 innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are a dynamic community focused on solving challenging long‑term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced engineer to join the MARS group as Engineering Manager for the ROV Team. The Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS) group operates and maintains an extensive fleet of autonomous and robotic maritime platforms, including the UK's National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP) – the largest centralised marine scientific equipment pool in Europe.

You will lead a close‑knit, dedicated, and enthusiastic multidisciplinary team operating our 6,500m‑rated ROV, Isis, and our Modular Payload Underwater System (MPUS). This role offers an exciting opportunity to advance a key capability and lead operations at the forefront of marine science. You will oversee the collection of high‑quality ocean data that underpins the NOC and the wider UK oceanographic community, achieving world‑class marine science.

The work you lead, together with a skilled and dedicated team, will make a significant and lasting contribution to ocean science.

• Managing delivery of the operational, technical and safety aspects of NOC’s ROV deployments.
• Creating and monitoring work plans, defining priorities, carrying out financial planning and budget management to ensure activities are planned and delivered safely, in line with standards, safety requirements and legislation.
• Providing technical oversight of development, integration and troubleshooting of systems and upgrades for the ROVs, ensuring all equipment is maintained in preparation for research expeditions, and updating standard operating and emergency procedures.
• Producing and reviewing technical solutions and guiding the team in solving complex technical problems.
• Providing mentoring, guidance and objectives for the team.
• Engaging with MARS, NOC and science stakeholders to deliver effective ROV operations consistent with NOC protocols and best practice.
• Providing seagoing operational leadership and support of the ROVs and other assets as required, including planning and coordinating missions, managing risks and overseeing all operational aspects whilst deployed.
• Working with other MARS senior team members to support group operation and help define the strategic objectives for MARS.
• Time aboard research vessels will be required to support delivery of this capability.

You will enjoy working within a team, sharing, debating ideas and best practice. Your ideas and leadership will help the team to deliver to their full potential. You will help evolve the team culture, fostering individuals’ growth while promoting respect and inclusivity.

• Qualified to HNC/HND or higher in a directly relevant engineering discipline or degree level or higher in a related discipline.
• Significant relevant experience in leading engineering design and development, conducting trials and/or operational deployments of complex systems (preferably marine), and providing expert technical advice in complex, multidisciplinary project environments.
• In‑depth knowledge of deep‑sea science, engineering and technology, preferably with considerable experience in operating ROV systems.
• Broad engineering knowledge with a basic understanding of physics, mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical systems, and software development.
• Proven track record of team leadership and successful project management, including good interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and motivate a small, highly‑skilled team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication…