AUV Operations Engineering Manager

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£52,018 - £57,217

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

The Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS) facility at the National Oceanography Centre develops, operates and maintains the UK's marine science robotic fleet as part of the National Marine Equipment Pool, the largest centralised marine scientific equipment pool in Europe (https://noc.ac.uk/facilities/national-marine-equipment-pool). The MARS fleet consists of AUVs, underwater gliders, uncrewed surface vehicles, ROV and tethered Underwater Vehicles. Each class of vehicles has an associated engineering manager and operationally focussed team of technicians who: maintain, prepare and operate the equipment at sea.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced engineer to join the MARS group and lead the AUV Operations Team. You will be joining a team of enthusiastic engineers who are operating our deep diving work class AUV Autosub5 world-wide to support ocean data gathering The work you will do with the team will have a deep impact in ocean sciences and will help NOC and the UK oceanographic community to deliver world class science. The role will involve managing the day-to-day operations of the AUV Operations Team, and will include:

• Providing guidance and objectives for a small team of engineers to support the group and to ensure that all equipment is maintained in preparation for research expeditions.
• Controlling the team’s expenditure to ensure projects are kept within budget and delivered on time.
• Providing technical oversight of integration and development of expedition specific upgrades to Autosub5.
• Working with scientists and the wider NMF team to deliver effective Autosub5 operations that are consistent with NMF protocols and best practice.
• Providing seagoing operational leadership and support of Autosub5 and other sea systems assets as required.
• Working with other MARS Senior team members to ensure efficient group operation and to help define the strategic objectives for MARS.

About you

You will enjoy working within a team, sharing, and debating ideas and best practice. Your ideas and leadership will help the team members to deliver to their full potential. You will help to evolve the team culture, fostering individuals and promoting respect and inclusivity among the team members.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a degree in a relevant engineering discipline at 2:1 or above, with significant relevant experience of the design and manufacture of complex electro-mechanical systems, ideally in the marine environment.
• Have a broad engineering knowledge with a basic understanding of physics, mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical systems, and software development.
• Have a proven track record of team leadership and successful project management from project inception to completion, including good interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and motivate a small highly skilled team to maximise the team’s effectiveness.
• Have experience of leading operational deployments and trials of complex robotic systems, preferably in the marine environment.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to demonstrate these through documentation produced and presentations given.
• Have experience of liaising with potential funders, project partners and stake holders.
• Be self-motivated, pro-active, flexible and innovative with the ability to resolve issues under challenging situations at sea, and to produce high quality reliable work at base.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

- 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.

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.

Submitting an application

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

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: 18 December 2024.

Closing date: 7 February 2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.