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AUV Operations Engineers (Software) x 2
National Oceanography Centre
Operations
Southampton, UK
GBP 42,062-42,062 / year
Posted on May 9, 2025
AUV Operations Engineers (Software) x 2
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£42,062
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 Group at the NOC operates an extensive fleet of Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS) to support the UK Oceanographic community and other partners. The fleet comprises of a mixture of Underwater Gliders, Long Range Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Work Class AUV Autosub5 and Remotely Operated Vehicles. Each of our four class of vehicles has an associated engineering manager and operationally focussed team of technicians/engineers who: maintain, prepare and operate the equipment at sea.
Our Autosub AUVs have seen significant recent success operating:
- Under ice in Antarctica;
- Monitoring the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining in the Pacific;
- Surveying marine protected areas around the coast of the UK;
- Undertaking multi-week operations operating shore to shore e.g. surveying from Iceland to Scotland.
To support this success into the future we are expanding our pool of AUV technicians/engineers. This post will be based in the Autosub5 team but is expected to support Autosub5 and Autosub Long Range operations.
Expectations of role:
As an AUV operations engineer (software) the successful candidate will be a practical engineer who is also willing to undertake most aspects of AUV operations including piloting, maintenance, troubleshooting, and fieldwork. This is an operational role, and the successful candidate will be required to support AUV field work both from shore (appropriate overtime payments will be provided) and onboard Research Vessels (sea-time allowance provided). The post holder will use their software skills to commission IT infrastructure and integrate new bespoke sensors into the Autosubs working closely with the MARS software development teams.
About you
You will have completed a degree in a relevant discipline or have related experience in instrumentation or autonomous vehicles. You will ideally have experience in the use of scientific marine instrumentation with a strong track record of solving engineering problems. A knowledge of the Linux operating system and software development experience would be an advantage. Practical experience with geospatial datasets and proficiency in utilising applications such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and GeoServer are highly desirable. This expertise would be particularly valuable in preparing for the deployment of our MAS fleet, enabling effective utilisation of geospatial data to inform operational decisions. A working knowledge of AUVs or gliders would be highly desirable.
We are particularly interested to discuss this role with candidates with either:
- Knowledge of ROS, the C++ programming language, software lifecycle and development best practice are desirable to effectively collaborate with developers of the AUVs control system.
- Knowledge of modern web development best practices, including microservice architecture and the publish–subscribe pattern, is highly desirable. Proficiency in languages such as Python and JavaScript (Vue.js), as well as experience with technologies like Postgres, Docker, and Kubernetes, would be a significant asset in collaborating with our Command and Control development team.
- 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 ALR and marine robotic systems more broadly.
- You must be looking for a role that will take you out of the office/lab as the successful applicant will be required to spend periods (weeks) at sea or supporting shore-based deployments.
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.
We have 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: 09/05/2025.
Closing date: 06/06/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.