AUV Operations Engineering Manager

National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

10% employer pension contribution

Cycle2Work scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

A leading marine research institution in Southampton seeks an Engineering Manager for the AUV Operations Team. This role involves overseeing a highly skilled team focused on operating Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and leading the delivery of marine science missions. Ideal candidates will have a relevant engineering degree, experience in leadership, and strong communication skills. This full-time position offers a competitive benefits package, a supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in the design and manufacture of complex marine systems.
• Track record of engineering leadership in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to mentor and develop teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day work of the AUV Operations team.
• Oversee operational and technical compliance on deployments.
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure effective operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Technical oversight

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in relevant engineering discipline (2:1 or above)

Tools

AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles)

Robotic systems

Job description

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

Who are we?

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.

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

About the role

The Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS) group at the National Oceanography Centre develops, 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 (https://noc.ac.uk/facilities/national-marine-equipment-pool).

The MARS fleet consists of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Underwater Gliders, Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Each class of vehicle has an associated Engineering Manager and an operationally-focussed team of engineers who maintain and operate the equipment.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced engineer to join the MARS group as Engineering Manager for the AUV Operations Team.

You will lead a close-knit, skilled and dedicated multidisciplinary team operating our 6000m-rated work-class AUV (Autosub5) worldwide (https://noc.ac.uk/facilities/marine-autonomous-robotic-systems/autosubs).

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 work of the NOC and the wider UK oceanographic community in achieving world class marine science. The work you lead will make a significant and lasting contribution to ocean science.

The role will involve managing the day‑to‑day work of the AUV Operations team, and will include:

• Managing delivery of the operational, technical and safety aspects of NOC’s Autosub5 deployments.
• Making sure all activities are planned and delivered safely, in line with standards, safety requirements and legislation.
• Providing technical oversight of engineering developmental work, integration of expedition‑specific equipment, general improvements and troubleshooting of Autosub5.
• Providing mentoring, guidance and objectives for the Autosub5 team.
• Engaging with MARS, NOC and science stakeholders to deliver effective Autosub5 operations that are consistent with NMEP protocols and best practice.
• Providing seagoing operational leadership and support of Autosub5 (and other assets as required). This includes planning and coordinating missions, managing risks and oversight of all operational aspects of the AUV whilst deployed.
• Working with other MARS senior team members to ensure efficient group operation and to help define the strategic objectives for MARS.

This role will involve time aboard Research Vessels to support the delivery of this capability.

About you

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

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a degree in a relevant engineering discipline at 2:1 or above, with significant relevant experience in the design and manufacture of complex marine systems.
• Have experience in leading engineering design and development, in conducting trials and/or operational deployments of complex systems (preferably in the marine environment), and in providing expert technical advice in complex, multidisciplinary project environments.
• Have a broad engineering knowledge with a basic understanding of physics, mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical systems, and software development.
• Have a proven track record of team leadership and successful project management from project inception to completion, including good interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and motivate a small highly‑skilled team to maximise the team’s effectiveness.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to demonstrate these through documentation produced and presentations given.
• Have experience of liaising with potential funders, project partners and stake holders.
• Be self‑motivated, proactive, flexible and innovative with the ability to resolve issues under challenging situations at sea, and to produce high quality reliable work at base.

Why NOC?

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 (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• financial support for relocation
• 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

Location

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 have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below. We are able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Submitting an application

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 [e-mail] / 07355 676794.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

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.

Date advert posted: 30/03/2026

Closing date: 27/04/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

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