DE&S Subsea Survey Manager

Reed Talent Solutions; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading subsea engineering provider is seeking a Subsea Survey Manager to oversee operations and manage survey teams. The role combines office-based tasks with hands-on management of marine operations. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and extensive experience in subsea activities, along with technical documentation skills. This is a unique opportunity to work on critical marine recovery and engineering projects in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunity for international travel

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• IMCA accredited certification as an ROV or AUV Pilot/Technician Grade 1 or Survey Engineer Grade 1.
• At least 360 days of documented offshore experience with a minimum of 100 hours piloting an ROV or AUV.

Responsibilities

• Generate and maintain technical documentation.
• Develop safety documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Lead compliance with relevant legislation and standards.
• Manage operational tasks and conduct risk assessments.
• Collaborate with client representatives and manage contractors.
• Provide advice on marine plant and equipment.

Skills

Technical documentation management

Subsea surveying

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Marine operations

Education

Engineering, Science, Technical, Technology or Marine based qualification at RQF Level 4

Tools

Computer-aided design software

Job description

DE&S Subsea Survey Manager

Job description

Ready to dive into a career like no other? If you're driven by innovation, thrive in high‑stakes environments, and inspired by the idea of working with cutting‑edge subsea technology, then this is your moment. The Ministry of Defence’s Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) unit is on the lookout for a passionate and skilled SALMO Subsea Survey Manager to lead operations at the forefront of underwater engineering and marine recovery.

SALMO operate a fleet of cutting‑edge, commercially available AUVs and ROVs to conduct deepwater survey operations. As Subsea Survey Manager you will join a dynamic and enthusiastic team to deliver the survey aspects of the capability. You will be deployed afloat for circa 10‑12 weeks per year, for both scheduled and unplanned surveys, to manage the collection and analysis of a range of subsea survey data types. You will use your experience with common survey software packages to plan, prepare, and conduct both the overarching survey and individual missions, while reviewing and assuring the collected data to maintain the highest standards.

Whilst ashore, you will support the wider operational preparation by maintaining the readiness and availability of the survey equipment and software through regular servicing, fault‑finding and maintenance. You will support liaison with capability customers to develop schedules and plans for the survey season as well as regular communication with a variety of original equipment manufacturers. You will remain abreast of current and emerging technologies relevant to the capability and use your expertise and experience to support and advise both survey planning, operations and related tasks within SALMO and wider defence.

Why join SALMO? SALMO is the MOD’s centre of excellence for marine salvage and emergency response. Our multidisciplinary team, ranging from Master Mariners and Naval Architects to Environmental Scientists and Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) / Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) Operators, delivers critical support to UK Defence operations around the globe. Whether it’s locating downed aircraft on the seabed, surveying wrecks, towing warships, or conducting emergency response drills, our work is as varied as it is vital.

You will be combining office‑based engineering responsibilities with hands‑on operational work at sea. In the office, you will collaborate closely with project and operational managers on activities such as procuring new systems, developing technical requirements, and producing engineering management plans and supporting documentation. At sea, you will take on the role of survey manager.

The position is ideal for an experienced AUV or ROV technician or engineer seeking a more varied role in a stable environment, or for a hands‑on project engineer looking for a new and exciting challenge.

What you’ll be doing

• Requirements - Owning the generation and maintenance of technical documentation. This includes operational records and safe systems of work.
• Technical Data - Developing and reviewing the safety documentation and, standard operating procedures and safety management systems providing ship suitably qualified and experienced personnel (SQEP) under operational conditions and taskings.
• Legislation/Policy - Working in a highly regulated area, leading on complying with relevant legislation, regulation, policy, processes, and standards, by acting as the safety focal point and be responsible for the day‑to‑day management of all aspects of maintenance and supervision both ashore and afloat.
• Risk - Delegated to lead operational tasks and activities associated with maintaining capability as required and undertake activity related Risk Assessments.
• Stakeholder Management - Collaboration between DE&S and on‑site client representatives. Providing role and supervision of contractors in operational activity.
• Support - Responsible to Unit OIC for safe provision of full range of marine plant and equipment to meet SALMO requirements. Providing advice on Ship and Submarine matters, or subsea survey within operational conditions.
• Technical Discipline - Leading as a focal point of the subsea activities and marine operations team instilling best practice in operations as well as the shore‑based management role.

Person specification

• An Engineering, Science, Technical, Technology or Marine based qualification at RQF Level 4 or equivalent. (Lead Criterion)
• IMCA accredited certification as an ROV or AUV Pilot/Technician Grade 1 or a Survey Engineer Grade 1, or a recognised company equivalent, with at least 360 days of documented offshore experience and a minimum of 100 hours piloting an ROV or AUV at Grade 1 level. All experience must be verifiable through a logbook.

OR

• With a relevant Professional body/institution related to your discipline, be professionally registered as one of the following:
• Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
• Registered Scientist (RSci)
• Incorporated Marine Engineer (IMarEng)
• Incorporated Marine Technologist (IMarTec)

AND

• Experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful survey outcomes in small scale tasks and projects Offshore, as well as onshore support of survey operations.
• Demonstrable wide‑ranging and relevant technical experience in subsea activities or marine operations.
• Experience of managing marine operations with evidence of technical problem‑solving and risk management.