Engineering Technician - Ship Scientific Systems

The National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Pension scheme

Hybrid working

Living Wage Employer

Cycle2Work

Job summary

The National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, is seeking a permanent, full-time role to support the Marine Facilities Programme by operating ship scientific systems on expeditions and during shipyard maintenance. You will travel up to 90 days per year to install, operate and maintain sensors and instrumentation.

You will develop expertise across multibeam, hydrographic software and geophysical systems, collaborate with scientists from around the world, and pursue professional registration in a

Qualifications

• Background in electronics and sensors.
• Ability to operate and maintain scientific instruments and software.
• Willingness to travel up to 90 days per year for expeditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support upgrades of scientific systems on ships.
• Develop expertise in seismics, geophysics and marine sensors.
• Represent the team at conferences and outreach events.
• Collaborate with scientists to meet research objectives at sea.

Skills

Electronics background

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Electronics background

Tools

Multibeam systems

Hydrographic processing software

Job description

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£45,233 - £49,619 (Plus up to £13,000 additional seagoing allowance)

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

You will be deployed on expeditions and shipyard maintenance periods for up to 90 days per year supporting the team in its delivery of the Marine Facilities Programme through the operation of ship scientific systems.

To fulfil our objective to support oceanographic research through the operation, maintenance, and development of scientific facilities, you will have opportunities to:

• Lead or support the upgrade or introduction of scientific systems, from initial consultation with scientists through to installation on the ships.
• Learn about and specialise in areas of our team's responsibility.
• Take part in outreach events and present at conferences in the UK and abroad.
• Meet and work with scientists from around the world while supporting their objectives at sea.
• Develop your career and build evidence to support professional registration.

In particular you will also be co-leading the operation and development of our seismics and geophysical survey systems.

About you

You will be a sharp problem solver who is enthusiastic in getting involved supporting the teams at sea or ashore in our mission to provide cutting-edge facilities for oceanographic research.

You will learn how to operate and maintain a wide range of sensors, instruments, hardware and software, including: multibeam systems, hydrographic processing software, seismics survey systems, sea water sampling systems, meteorological sensors, gravimeters, magnetometers, acoustic doppler current profilers, wave radars, the barnacle removal tool and, of course, the coffee machine.

You may bring a unique set of skills, experiences and knowledge to contribute to the team, but you will definitely be a keen learner, looking to develop technically and professionally. Most importantly, you will be adept at managing relationships in demanding environments, possess good self-awareness and a sense of humour.

For this role, you would ideally have a background in electronics.

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 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.

Immigration and visas

Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.We are therefore only able to consider applicants who have the right to work in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship.

Submitting an application

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

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: 10/08/2026

Closing date:04/09/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.