R&D Production Engineer

National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible benefits portal

Cycle2Work scheme

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

A leading oceanographic institution in Southampton is seeking an R&D Production Engineer to develop and improve technology for marine science. This role involves building and testing autonomous sensor systems, working in a hands-on prototyping environment to enhance production processes. Ideal candidates will have a background in electrical design and mechanical engineering, along with strong project management skills. The position offers hybrid working opportunities, competitive annual leave, and various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in evaluating and improving production processes.
• Hands-on experience in small-scale prototyping.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with balanced timelines.

Responsibilities

• Building autonomous sensor systems and analysing failures.
• Identifying areas for improvement in production.
• Applying interdisciplinary measurement techniques.
• Supporting field testing of new equipment at sea or shore.

Skills

Electrical circuit design / assembly

Precision mechanical component design

Microfluidics or optical system assembly

Materials chemistry related to mechanical production

Experience with instruments for harsh environments

Strong technical documentation skills

Communication skills

Job description

National Oceanography Centre – R&D Production Engineer

Join the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) as an R&D Production Engineer. The role is based in Southampton and is part of the Ocean Technology and Engineering group that develops new technology for marine science.

Pay

Official pay range: £XX,XXX – £XX,XXX (subject to skills and experience). Direct contact with recruiters for details.

About the role

The Ocean Technology and Engineering group at NOC invents and provides new technology to enable important measurements for marine science. Technology that we develop has been used all over the world’s oceans, to study climate change and carbon transport, to measure ecosystem health and biodiversity, and to help researchers understand processes at both the local and global scale.

We are seeking an R&D focused engineer with experience in the improvement and production of prototypes to assist in the creation and advancement of our technology. You will be a key link between prototype development (design / manufacture) and scientific application. Systems are made in small numbers, and their reliability and robustness are critical in remote ocean environments.

Responsibilities include:

• Building autonomous sensor systems and analysing failures after production or use.
• Identifying areas for improvement and undertaking experiments and design work to implement those improvements.
• Applying interdisciplinary measurement techniques that combine custom mechanical, electronic, microfluidics, optics, chemical assays and materials science.
• Supporting field testing of new equipment at sea or shore.

About you

You will have experience with evaluating and improving production processes, and feeding into interdisciplinary design problems, ideally in a small‑scale prototyping environment. You should be meticulous, hands‑on, creative, and able to manage multiple projects with balanced timelines.

Desired skills include:

• Electrical circuit design / assembly and soldering.
• Precision mechanical component design, microfluidics or optical system assembly.
• Materials chemistry related to mechanical production.
• Experience with instruments for harsh environments.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills.

Benefits

• 30 days contractual annual leave plus 3.5 closure days and bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme for mental and physical well‑being.
• Flexible benefits portal with discounts, cashback and eGift cards.
• Cycle2Work scheme for bike acquisition.
• Living Wage Employer.

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking and on‑site car‑parking with over 40 EV charging points. Hybrid working allows staff to work from home up to 2 days per week.

Applying

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up‑to‑date CV and cover letter. The cover letter should describe how your experience makes you suitable for the role and provide example(s) of your experience in improving the design, production, or maintenance of instruments or equipment.

If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [e-mail] or 07955 851648.

EEO statement

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.

Closing date

4 November 2025. The vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Date advert posted

7 October 2025.