About the role
The Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS) group at the National Oceanography Centre develops, operates and maintains an extensive fleet of autonomous and robotic maritime platforms, including the UK’s National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP), the largest centralised marine scientific equipment pool in Europe.
The MARS fleet consists of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Underwater Gliders, Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Each class of vehicle has an associated Engineering Manager and an operationally-focused team of engineers who maintain and operate the equipment.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced engineer to join the MARS group as Engineering Manager for the AUV Operations Team. You will lead a close-knit, skilled and dedicated multidisciplinary team operating our 6000m-rated work-class AUV (Autosub5) worldwide. This role offers an exciting opportunity to advance a key capability and lead operations at the forefront of marine science. You will oversee 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 lead will make a significant and lasting contribution to ocean science.
The role will involve managing the day-to-day work of the AUV Operations team, and will include:
- Managing delivery of the operational, technical and safety aspects of NOC’s Autosub5 deployments.
- Making sure all activities are planned and delivered safely, in line with standards, safety requirements and legislation.
- Providing technical oversight of engineering developmental work, integration of expedition-specific equipment, general improvements and troubleshooting of Autosub5.
- Providing mentoring, guidance and objectives for the Autosub5 team.
- Engaging with MARS, NOC and science stakeholders to deliver effective Autosub5 operations that are consistent with NMEP protocols and best practice.
- Providing seagoing operational leadership and support of Autosub5 (and other assets as required). This includes planning and coordinating missions, managing risks and oversight of all operational aspects of the AUV whilst deployed.
- Working with other MARS senior team members to ensure efficient group operation and to help define the strategic objectives for MARS.
This role will involve time aboard Research Vessels to support the delivery of this capability.
About you
You will enjoy working within a team, sharing, and debating ideas and best practice. Your ideas and leadership will help team members to deliver to their full potential. You will help to evolve the team culture, fostering individuals and promoting respect and inclusivity among team members.
The ideal candidate will:
- Hold a degree in a relevant engineering discipline at 2:1 or above, with significant relevant experience in the design and manufacture of complex marine systems.
- Have experience in leading engineering design and development, in conducting trials and/or operational deployments of complex systems (preferably in the marine environment), and in providing expert technical advice in complex, multidisciplinary project environments.
- 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 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, proactive, flexible and innovative with the ability to resolve issues under challenging situations at sea, and to produce high quality reliable work at base.
Salary: £54,047 – £59,449
Application deadline: April 27, 2026
