Engine Room Petty Officer

The National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Relocation support

Living Wage Employer

Cycle2Work

Pension scheme

Job summary

The National Oceanography Centre in Southampton seeks a dedicated marine engineer support role aboard the Royal Research Ship fleet. You will assist Engineer Officers in maintaining safety, cleanliness and the operation of complex on‑board equipment.

This full‑time, seagoing position is based onboard one of the RRS Discovery or RRS James Cook. A Seafarer ENG1, STCW safety training and UK work rights are essential, with travel across international waters expected.

Qualifications

• Seafarer Medical ENG1 without restrictions.
• STCW basic safety training (Fire fighting, Personal survival techniques, Personal safety & social responsibility, Elementary first aid).
• Passport with the right to work in the UK and UK Discharge book.
• Engine Room Watch Certificate.
• Designated Security duties and ability to travel worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Assist Engineer Officers in maintaining safety, cleanliness and maintenance standards aboard the department.
• Seagoing tours of duty with defined leave entitlements and annual accruals.
• Support operation and maintenance of complex on-board equipment.

Skills

Seafarer ENG1

STCW safety training

Right to work UK

Engine Room Watch

Security duties

International travel

Job description

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton / Royal Research Ship

Permanent

Full time

£41,021

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 UK's Fleet of Scientific Research Vessels provide the ocean-going scientific platforms to support the UK’s worldwide oceanographic research programme. Research Infrastructure (RI) is part of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton, a collaborative centre shared by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), NOC and the University of Southampton.

RI is responsible for the operation and management of two UKRI owned research vessels as well as providing wider support in the co-ordination and management of the UKRI / Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Marine Facility Programme.

About you

Supporting the Engineer Officers in maintaining safety, cleanliness and maintenance standards within the areas of responsibility of the department.

For this position, it is essential that you hold the following:

• Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) without restrictions
• STCW basic safety training (Fire fighting, Personal survival techniques, Personal safety & social responsibility, Elementary first aid)
• Passport with the right to work in the UK
• UK Discharge book
• Engine Room Watch Certificate
• Designated Security duties
• Unrestricted worldwide travel.

It is highly desirable that you should be able to demonstrate relevant experience of working onboard a scientific research vessel or work in a similar marine sector (i.e. OSV, PSV, ERRV, DSV, etc), backed by evidence of appropriate specialist knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of complex overboard handling and lifting equipment.

Hours of Work:

Seagoing tours of duty will normally encompass at least two full scientific expeditions, or a minimum of two months although these tour periods may vary depending on the ship's operational programme. Leave is earnt at the annual rate of 324 days for each year served onboard and accrues at the rate of 27 days for each calendar month of service onboard.

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)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential 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 onboard one of the two Royal Research Ship (RRSDiscoveryor RRSJames Cook) operated by NOC Southampton

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.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Date advert posted: 01/10/2026

Closing date:29/10/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

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