Jobs in Gulfport

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Remotely Operated Vehicle Systems Lead.

Location: Marine Research Center
1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States

Division: Ocean Enterprise

Position Type: Staff

Employment Status: Full Time

Grant Funded: Yes

Posting Close Date: Five Days After Posted

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

The RemotelyOperated Vehicle (ROV) Systems Lead establishes and leads an ROV operationscenter at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise in support ofresearch, testing, and applied ocean operations. This role provides technicaland operational leadership for ROV systems, including system readiness,maintenance, staffing, and at-sea operations. The position oversees day-to-dayoperations, supervises technical staff, and ensures safe, compliant, andeffective use of ROV assets. The ROV Systems Lead builds partnerships withindustry, academic, government, and non-profit organizations to supportresearch collaboration, workforce development, and service delivery. The rolemanages project planning, budgets, and reporting related to ROV operations in coordinationwith Center leadership. This position supports innovation and continuousimprovement in undersea technologies and operational practices.

• Establishes and operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) facility at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise, including oversight of system readiness, facilities needs, inventory, and safety compliance.
• Ensures ROV systems, tooling, and supporting infrastructure are properly maintained and available to support research, testing, and at-sea operations; participates in field operations as required and sea trials and scientific verification activities.
• Leads and supervises technical staff supporting ROV, engineering, and survey operations, ensuring adequate staffing, training, and operational coverage.
• Collaborates with academic units to support workforce development, including internships and training programs in ROV operations, robotics, survey technologies, and autonomous systems.
• Builds and manages relationships with industry, academic, government, and non-profit partners to support use of ROV assets, research collaboration, and workforce development initiatives.
• Develops recommended service offerings and pricing models, manages project plans, schedules, and budgets, and ensures compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
• Supports research and innovation initiatives to advance undersea technologies and continuously improve ROV operations, safety practices, and service delivery.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, PhysicalSciences, Oceanography, Meteorology or a related field; and five (5) years ofexperience working with ROVs in operational or test & measurementenvironments or; ten (10) years of experience working with ROVs in operationalor test & measurement environment and at least five (5) years of experienceleading technical teams or field operations. Relevant experience may beconsidered in lieu of the degree requirements. Ability to obtain aTransportation Worker Identification Card immediately after hire.

• Advanced knowledge of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems, subsystems, and engineering interdependencies in operational and test environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading at-sea operations, including safe deployment, recovery, and operation of ROV systems.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and develop technical teams supporting engineering, survey, and field operations.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of complex technical operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, support procurement, and exercise financial stewardship for technical programs and capital assets.
• Experience with technical procurement, system installation, maintenance, training, and method development for undersea systems.
• Strong understanding of safety, risk management, and compliance requirements associated with field operations, facilities, and technical workshops.
• Proficiency in the use of machine shop tools and fabrication techniques for repair, modification, and system integration tasks.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with industry, academic, and government partners.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences and support collaborative problem-solving.

Fifteen (15) years of experience working with ROVs in operational or test & measurement environments. Ten (10) years of experience leading technical teams or field operations. Eligible for security clearance.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.