ROV Mechanical / Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

10% employer pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible benefits portal

Cycle2Work

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, is recruiting a Permanent ROV Mechanical/Systems Engineer to join the MARS group. You will support Isis ROV and related deep-towed equipment, maintain and upgrade systems, and work with scientists to design operations.

The role involves fieldwork and up to 90 days at sea per year, with hybrid working and strong opportunities to advance marine robotics capabilities.

Qualifications

• Candidates should hold an engineering qualification at least at HNC/HND level or higher.
• Proven experience with ROVs/ROTVs or related remotely operated systems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for operations involving the MARS fleet, including vehicle prep, maintenance, calibration, mobilisation, and deployments.
• Develop vehicles, integrate new sensors, troubleshoot issues and improve performance.
• Collaborate with the MARS development team on vehicle development.

Skills

Marine engineering knowledge

ROV operation experience

Strong communication skills

Independent planning and teamwork

Education

HNC/HND or higher in relevant engineering

Related engineering degree

Experience with ROVs/ROTVs

Tools

ROV hardware systems

Electromechanical systems

Job description

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£45,233 - £49,619

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

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the MARS group as an ROV Mechanical/Systems Engineer.

You will join a close-knit, dedicated and enthusiastic multidisciplinary team operating our ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) and Towed Underwater Systems worldwide. https://www.noc.ac.uk/our-work/marine-technology/ocean-vehicles/remotely-operated-vehicles

The ROV Engineer will provide engineering and operational support as part of the ROV team and will also work closely with the other teams within MARS. The role will support the Isis ROV and other deep towed equipment, and maintain, service and upgrade the systems back at base. The focus of the team’s work is to support the marine science community in efforts to understand the ocean.

The role offers an exciting opportunity to operate and advance a key capability at the forefront of marine science. You will contribute to the collection of high‑quality ocean data that underpins the work of the NOC and the wider UK oceanographic community in achieving world‑class marine science. The work you complete – as part of a skilled and dedicated team—will make a significant and lasting contribution to ocean science.

Key responsibilities

• Providing support for operations involving the MARS fleet. This will include: vehicle preparation, maintenance, calibration, mobilisation, and operational deployments from shore-bases or research vessels. This includes piloting, navigating and controlling the ROV and other deep towed equipment.
• Carrying out vehicle development, integrating new sensors, troubleshooting problems and improving performance.
• Working with the MARS development team to assist with the development of vehicles.
• Driving continuous improvement in ROV operations by working collaboratively with the team to review, refine, and enhance operational procedures, improving efficiency, consistency, safety, and overall performance.
• Work with commissioning scientists to help design ROV operations to best address their science questions.
• Contribute to MARS’ internal (NOC) and external relationships, such as with UK and international users, institutes, organisations and government bodies.

About you

Ideal candidate profile

• Be qualified to HNC/HND or higher in a directly relevant engineering discipline, degree level or higher in a related discipline, or have relevant experience in ROVs/ROTVs.
• Have a broad engineering knowledge with a basic understanding of physics, mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical systems, and software development.
• Have an ability to understand technical challenges, and a strong track record of providing well-considered technical solutions to engineering problems.
• Have experience working in a marine engineering area (preferably with ROVs) or a closely related discipline.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and excellent attention to detail, and be able to demonstrate these through documentation produced and presentations given.
• Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, with strong interpersonal skills, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Plan and manage your work independently given broad direction, contributing effectively to the team both ashore and at sea.
• Be self-motivated, flexible and innovative, with the ability to resolve issues under challenging situations at sea and deliver high-quality, reliable work at base.
• Be prepared to work up to 90 days at sea each year.
• A working knowledge of ROVs or towed underwater systems would be highly desirable.
• Experience working in engineering design and development, as well as conducting trials or operations of complex electromechanical systems would be desirable.

You should be interested and willing to broaden and enhance your skills as required to meet the requirements of the team. There will also be opportunities to work with the MARS development teams to enhance the capabilities of the ROV and marine robotic systems more broadly.

As part of this role, you will be required to undertake fieldwork and occasionally work at sea.

Why the NOC?

Benefits

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous 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.

The NOC has 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.

We can support visa applications where required. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.

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. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted:26/08/2026

Closing date:23/09/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.