RDS Technician

JR United Kingdom; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an experienced RDS Technician for contract work within offshore projects globally. The successful candidate will manage the operation and maintenance of reel drive systems for subsea installations, ensuring safety and efficiency during deployment. Candidates must have strong mechanical and hydraulic knowledge, alongside relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with RDS or similar deployment systems on offshore vessels.
• Familiarity with hydraulic/electric drive systems required.
• Understanding of flexible product lay operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate RDS equipment for deployment and recovery of subsea reels.
• Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance.
• Coordinate with crew and comply with offshore safety procedures.

Skills

Mechanical knowledge

Hydraulic knowledge

Load monitoring

Reel tension control

Education

Technical certification in mechanical or mechatronic systems

GWO or offshore survival certifications

Job description

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Brunel is looking for a RDS Technician to work on contract for a major offshore company across the globe.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience operating and maintaining reel drive systems (RDS) for subsea flexible pipe, umbilical, and power cable installation, with solid mechanical and hydraulic knowledge.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate RDS equipment for safe and efficient deployment and recovery of reels containing subsea cables, umbilicals, or flexible pipes.
• Perform mobilization/demobilization tasks, including mechanical assembly and alignment of reel towers, clamping systems, and drive units.
• Monitor and control reel rotation, tension, and torque using hydraulic or electric control systems.
• Assist with lifting operations and ensure reels are secured using proper clamping mechanisms.
• Conduct routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and report faults or irregularities in drive units or control systems.
• Coordinate with deck crew, engineers, and shift supervisors to ensure smooth operations aligned with project procedures.
• Comply with offshore safety procedures, toolbox talks (TBTs), and vessel-specific work protocols.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience working with RDS or similar cable/pipe deployment systems on offshore vessels.
• Familiarity with hydraulic or electric drive systems, load monitoring, and reel tension control.
• Background in mechanical or mechatronic systems (technical certification required).
• GWO or offshore survival certifications (e.g., BOSIET/FOET, Working at Heights, Manual Handling).
• Understanding of flexible product lay operations, including subsea power cables or umbilicals