ROV Pilot Technician

Royal Navy; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous pension

26.5+ days holiday

Job summary

Royal Navy in the UK invites applications for a Subsea Vehicle Engineer within SALMO Seabed Operations. You will oversee management and execution of subsea surveys using AUVs and ROVs, combining office engineering with hands-on at sea.

You'll lead deployment and maintenance of Kongsberg Hugin AUVs and Perry Slingsby Work Class ROVs, supervise junior engineers, and develop technical requirements and SOPs to support defence objectives while maintaining safety and environment standards.

Qualifications

• Security clearance (DV) required.
• UK national for security reasons; sole UK national.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and assure mechanical, electrical, electronic and software systems across AUVs, ROVs and related equipment, ensuring readiness and full documentation.
• Shape and maintain AUV/ROV technical requirements to support new capability and in-service performance.
• Develop, review and improve SOPs and risk assessments for ROV/AUV operations.

Job description

Job Description

Organisation: Defence Equipment & Support

Salary: £53,400 per annum (plus generous benefits)

Grade: Professional II

Working Pattern: Full time, Part time, Job Share, Flexible Working

Contract Type: Permanent

At Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), we supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver a vast range of essential defence programmes, and strive for what's next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe - for today, and tomorrow.

DE&S has recently been integrated into the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. The NAD Group brings together key Ministry of Defence (MOD) organisations to unite expertise across science, technology, procurement, infrastructure, and support to provide integrated capabilities faster and more efficiently for our armed forces and our allies. This is an exciting new opportunity to enable better ways of working and empower greater collaboration across Defence. For further information about the NAD Group, please visit: National Armaments Director Group - GOV.UK

We offer 26.5+ days' holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of around 28.97%, to help work work for you.

Nationality, visas and vetting: For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A 'sole UK national' refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. We're unable to offer visa sponsorship.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 10 years and obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you have been recruited for. If it isn't obtained or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining DV security clearance can be a lengthy process. You'll join us once Security Check (SC) clearance is obtained, and then the more enhanced DV checks will continue after you've started your employment. If SC clearance isn't obtained within 12 months, we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made.

Job description

Why join Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO)?

SALMO is the MOD's centre of excellence for marine salvage and emergency response. Our multidisciplinary team, ranging from Master Mariners and Naval Architects to Environmental Scientists and Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) / Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) Operators, delivers critical support to UK Defence operations around the globe. Whether it's locating downed aircraft on the seabed, surveying wrecks, towing warships, or conducting emergency response drills, our work is as varied as it is vital.

What makes this role different?

• Work on unique, non-commercial subsea operations that directly support UK Defence.

• Operate and manage state-of-the-art AUV and ROV systems.

• A balanced role combining operational deployments (approx. 10-12 weeks per year) with shore-based technical leadership.

• Be part of a highly respected, multidisciplinary team renowned for technical excellence.

• Long term career stability, exceptional pension, and structured development.

'Every day is different and I've had the opportunity to be part of some exciting projects: Bell from famous US destroyer sunk off Scillies returned to its owners'

What will your job include?

As a Subsea vehicle engineer within SALMO Seabed Operations (SBO), you will join a dynamic and enthusiastic team to deliver a discrete capability within SALMO using cutting edge commercial AUV and ROV technology to provide deep water salvage outputs in support of SALMO and wider MOD objectives. You will be responsible for overseeing the management and execution of subsea surveys using both AUVs and ROVs. The team currently operates Kongsberg Hugin AUVs and Perry Slingsby Work Class ROVs to support salvage and wreck management tasks.

You will be combining office-based engineering responsibilities with hands-on operational work at sea. In the office, you will collaborate closely with project and operational managers on activities such as procuring new systems, developing technical requirements, and producing engineering management plans and supporting documentation.

At sea, you will take on the role of engineering manager, overseeing the launch, recovery, and maintenance of systems. You will also use your technical expertise to operate, troubleshoot, and repair subsea systems while providing line management for junior engineers during deployments.

The position is ideal for an experienced AUV or ROV technician or engineer seeking a more varied role in a stable environment, or for a hands-on project engineer looking for a new and exciting challenge.

The role offers a good work life balance, only deploying at sea for a maximum of 120 days per year with the remaining time taken against leave, training and office-based activity at HMNB Devonport.

We champion flexible ways of working. Whilst onshore, regular in-person on site attendance is required (this is expected to be approximately 60% of your working week) to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance and business need. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

The role is operationally critical and comes with additional allowances under SALMO Terms and Conditions, https://bit.ly/SALMO-Terms-and-Conditions reflecting the importance and intensity of the work you'll be doing.

For clarity, the SALMO RG allowances you'll be eligible for:

• Contactable Allowance £3,191.00 pa

• Sponsored Reserve Annual Bounty is: Year 1: £583.00, Year 2: £1,290.00, Year 3 & 4: £1,992.00, Year 5: £2,308.00
• For deployed periods disturbance allowance applies: Week day - £94 per day. Weekend - £158 Per day

• Sea-going-leave (SGL) is accrued at a rate of 4 Leave Days for each 7 days embarked (additional to your Annual Leave Entitlement)

What you'll be doing:

• Operate, maintain and assure all mechanical, electrical, electronic and software systems across AUVs, ROVs, Launch and Recovery Systems and ancillary equipment, ensuring assets remain operationally ready and all maintenance, modifications and configuration changes are fully recorded.

• Shape and maintain AUV and ROV technical requirements to support both new capability acquisition and in-service system performance.

• Develop, review and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments covering the engineering aspects of ROV and AUV operations.

• Lead engineering activity for defect rectification, design change and technical investigations, working closely with MOD stakeholders and industry partners to sustain and enhance subsea capability.

• Ensure safe, compliant and effective operation of all equipment in line with policy, engineering standards and Original Equipment Manufacturer guidance.

• Manage, coach and develop ROV/AUV engineers, monitoring competence, supporting professional growth and building operational resilience across the team.

• Support the Lead Engineer and delivery team in managing safety, security and environmental artefacts that underpin procurement, assurance and operational delivery.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Lead Criterion - Have experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes in small scale task and projects; and

• Have a wide-ranging and relevant technical experience in subsea activities or marine operations; and

• Experience of managing marine operations with evidence of technical problem-solving and risk management.

AND Hold (as minimum)

• IMCA certification as an advanced ROV or AUV Pilot/Technician Grade I or a Survey Engineer Grade I, or a recognised company equivalent, with at least 180 days of documented offshore experience and a minimum of 100 hours operating an ROV or AUV at Grade II level. All experience must be verifiable through a logbook.

• Be professionally registered with a Professional body/institution related to your discipline, as either:

• Incorporated Engineer (IEng); or

• Registered Scientist (RSci); or

• Incorporated Marine Engineer (IMarEng); or

• Registered Marine Technician (RMarTech); or

• Registered Marine Scientist (RMarSci).

AND

• Be a Sole UK National

• Full UK Driving Licence

• Be able to satisfy requirements of:

• 2-Yearly ENG1 Seafarers Medical (1)

• Be enlisted as a Royal Navy Sponsored Reserve (1)

• For recruitment purposes, external candidates do not need to hold these but must have no known reasons not to achieve this within 6 months of employment.

This role is subject to Retained Grade Terms and Conditions and differ from the DE&S standard Terms and Conditions.

For SALMO Retained Grade seeking promotion, please refer to Part 2, Section 10.2 of the SALMO Retained Grade Handbook.

Due to the nature of this role, you are:

• Required to be fit to pass and maintain a two-yearly ENG1 seafarers medical (no geographical limitations)

• Required to enlist as a Royal Navy Sponsored Reserve

• Expected to work extended hours as and when required in support of operational commitments

• Required to live within 60 minutes travelling time of the base to which you are appointed

• Required to hold an in-date UK driving licence

Professional Engineering Institution Equivalences for a list of approved equivalent professional registration as per the requirements listed above.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Core Behaviour 1: Making Effective Decisions

• Core Behaviour 2: Working Together

• Technical Competence 1: ECF_01 Suitable Systems and Systems Thinking (Supervised Practitioner)

• Technical Competence 2: ECF_03 Supportable Technical Solutions (Practitioner)

Benefits:

• Full time staff employed for less than 5 years are entitled to 26.5 days' annual leave per year, rising to 31.5 days per year after 5 years of service

• Flexible and hybrid working options

• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 28.97%

• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards

• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications

• Support for progression

• Huge range of discounts

• Volunteering days

• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you're looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you'll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of - and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information:

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-candidate-information-pack

• SALMO Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/SALMO_Terms_and_Conditions

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here.

Disability Confident:

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section 'Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.'

Conflicts of Interest:

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

If you note that, in the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the ranking of the assessed behaviours and competencies below:

• 1st: Core Behaviour 1

• 2nd: Core Behaviour 2

• 3rd: Technical Competencies

• 4th: CV Review

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise the Lead criterion, and/or an additional assessment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

Selection Process Details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift - We will check your application to ensure that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.

1. Sift - Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.

1. Interview - If you're invited to interview, you will be assessed against the following:

• CV Review

• Core Behaviour 1

• Core Behaviour 2

• Technical Competencies

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email:[e-mail]

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints - Civil Service Commission

Reserve Lists:

Where a competition identifies more appointable candidates than there are available vacancies, a Reserve List may be created for other similar roles in the Civil Service. This may be used for up to 12 months to fill the same role or other similar roles with closely matching essential criteria without further testing of merit.

Offering at a lower level:

If you're not successful at interview, we may offer you a role at a lower level if this is a match for your skills and experience. If this applies to your application, you'll be scored against criteria for the lower-level role and offers will be made in merit order. If you accept this position, you'll be able to take advantage of opportunities to develop your career as part of our team.

About Us

Join an integral part of the UK's Defence and play your part in the procurement and in-service support of all our armed forces' equipment, from fighter jets, armoured vehicles and aircraft carriers, to clothing, food, and ammunition. If you have the pride, passion and commitment to be part of an exciting organisation at the forefront of supporting our country's armed forces to deliver on operations at home and abroad.

About the Team

Problem solvers. Innovative thinkers. Career returners and switchers. It takes all kinds of people to drive our engineering programmes forward. From cutting-edge engineering to battle-winning technologies, you'll help equip the UK Armed Forces with the edge to protect our nation. Engineering is the largest department within DE&S and it's one of the most fulfilling too. From managing technical risks, engineering resources and services, to defining and assuring best practice, our engineers are exemplars both within our organisation and our industry partners and professional bodies too. Join us and discover where your ambition could lead you.

Back link privacy notice

Please see the MOD Privacy notice which informs how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Internal Applicant Process

DE&S/SDA and MOD Main internal applicants will need to apply through MyHR Internal Career Portal via the DE&S/SDA jobs tile. This can be found on the MyHR home page.

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