Metocean Engineer / Oceanographer

DNV; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health options

Extensive training opportunities

Flexible working policy

Job summary

Ocean Ecology, now part of DNV, seeks a Metocean Engineer / Oceanographer to lead coastal, estuarine and nearshore monitoring projects. You will operate ADCPs, AWACs, current meters and tide gauges, and analyse data to support hydrodynamic modelling and environmental assessments.

The role combines fieldwork, vessel operations and technical reporting, with opportunities for extensive training and UK-wide travel.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in science/engineering or oceanographic subject.
• Industry experience in technical/engineering roles (2+ years preferred).
• Hands-on delivery of metocean instrumentation and field deployments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, test and maintain metocean equipment.
• Deploy instrumentation in coastal and offshore environments.
• Conduct tidal current, wave and water quality surveys.
• Process and quality-check environmental datasets.
• Prepare technical reports and survey summaries.
• Support vessel operations and project delivery.

Skills

Metocean instrumentation

Data analysis

Field campaigns

Communication skills

UK driving licence

Education

Science/Engineering degree

Tools

MS Office

Telemetry interfaces

Tide gauges

Job description

About Us

We are the independent expert in assurance and risk management. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence.

As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.

About Life Sciences

We help our customers in medical devices, healthcare, and aquaculture/ocean industries build trust and transparency across their products, assets, and supply chains. By working with customers to certify medical technologies, support safe and sustainable healthcare practices, and advance responsible aquaculture and ocean stewardship, we help manage risks, meet regulatory demands, and achieve long-term goals.

Drawing on deep technical expertise, we partner with customers worldwide to bridge trust gaps between patients, providers, producers, and consumers—driving sustainable results and improved ESG performance.

About The Role

As a Metocean Engineer / Oceanographer, you will play a key role in the delivery of coastal, estuarine and nearshore monitoring projects, supporting the collection, processing and interpretation of oceanographic and environmental data.

Working across a range of marine environments, you will be involved in all stages of project delivery, from survey planning and equipment preparation through to field deployment, data analysis and reporting. Typical projects include tidal current and wave monitoring, water quality assessments, plume tracking, baseline environmental monitoring and data collection to support hydrodynamic modelling, coastal development and dredging projects.

You will work with a variety of specialist equipment including Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), Acoustic Wave and Current profilers (AWAC), direct and recording current meters, RTK GNSS systems, water quality monitoring instruments, tide gauges and meteorological stations. The role combines practical fieldwork and vessel operations with technical data analysis and reporting, providing a varied and rewarding opportunity for someone with an interest in marine science, coastal processes and environmental monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing, testing and maintaining oceanographic and environmental monitoring equipment.
• Mobilising and deploying instrumentation in coastal, estuarine and offshore environments.
• Undertaking tidal current, wave and water quality monitoring surveys.
• Deploying, recovering and servicing equipment including ADCPs, current meters, tide gauges and multi-parameter water quality profilers.
• Supporting vessel operations and fieldwork activities.
• Assisting with mooring assembly, maintenance and equipment installation.
• Downloading, processing and quality-checking environmental datasets.
• Analysing tidal, wave and water quality data.
• Preparing technical reports, survey summaries and project documentation.
• Working with telemetry systems, environmental sensors and remote monitoring equipment.
• Supporting the planning and delivery of monitoring programmes and survey campaigns.
• Working in accordance with company QHSE procedures and ISO-accredited management systems.
• Collaborating with project managers, surveyors and environmental specialists to ensure the safe and successful delivery of projects.

WHY OCEAN ECOLOGY?

We are a leading marine environmental consultancy specialising in providing survey, technical and advisory services to organisations delivering and governing the global blue economy.

We recently became part of DNV, the world’s leading classification society and advisor to the maritime industry. This merger has enabled an exciting expansion of our services and client base throughout the UK and internationally.

What we offer

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team of passionate marine scientists and contribute to a dynamic and evolving organisation.

We offer industry competitive salaries commensurate with experience, with associated benefits including private health options, extensive training opportunities and a flexible working policy.

The Metocean Engineer / Oceanographer role is based in the UK at one of our Dorchester, Gloucester or Plymouth offices. The role offers genuine variety, combining marine fieldwork, vessel-based operations, environmental monitoring, data analysis and technical reporting within a dynamic and growing marine consultancy.

DNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity.

About You

We’re looking for a practical, motivated metocean engineer/oceanographer who enjoys working with specialist equipment and thrives in a dynamic, project‑driven marine environment.

We Are Looking For Someone With

• Degree level qualification or above in science, engineering, electrical or mechanical disciplines, or a degree in an oceanographic-related subject or equivalent demonstrable knowledge and experience.
• Industry experience in a relevant technical or engineering role (two years’ plus preferred).
• Hands‑on experience delivering technical projects, including deployment of metocean instrumentation in coastal and offshore environments.
• Practical workboat and fieldwork or marine survey experience.
• A systematic, methodical approach with strong attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, data loggers, and instrument interfaces with satellite/GSM telemetry systems.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Full manual UK driving licence.
• Offshore survival and medical certificates (training can be provided).
• Powerboat qualifications (desirable).

You’ll Also Need To Be

• Comfortable working to deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willing to travel (primarily within the UK and Europe, occasional further travel).
• Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules driven by vessel availability and weather conditions.
• Positive, proactive and eager to learn.

Please note that candidates must have an existing right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Security and compliance with statutory requirements in the countries in which we operate is essential for DNV. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates as part of the offer process, in accordance with applicable country-specific laws and practices.