Function
Engineering Science
Group
Scientific Engineering
Salary
£36,382 - £40,016 (Plus up to £14,000 additional seagoing allowance)
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time
£36,382 - £40,016 (Plus up to £14,000 additional seagoing allowance)
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
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced engineer to join the SE group as a Sensors and Moorings Technician. You will be joining a team of enthusiastic engineers who are operating the largest fleet of oceanographic instrumentation in Europe to support ocean data gathering worldwide.
On shore at the NOC this role will involve preparation, maintenance and development of Sensors and Moorings equipment such as towed vehicles, oceanographic moorings, instrumentation and associated handling gear.
At sea you will put together all of the work done at base and operate and deploy the equipment, the culmination of months of planning and preparation where the result of all this work will be realised. For this reason we pride ourselves on the preparation work we do at base, this giving a solid foundation for a successful deployment at sea
About you
The ideal candidate will hold a HNC or an Engineering apprenticeship in a relevant engineering discipline with significant relevant experience of the operation and maintenance of complex electro-mechanical systems, ideally in the marine environment. Have a broad engineering knowledge with a basic understanding of physics, mechanical engineering, electronics and electrical systems. 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. The role has a seagoing element of around 90 days per year which attracts an allowance up to £14,000.
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 (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
- Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
- financial support for relocation
- a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential 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.
Immigration and visas
Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. We are therefore only able to consider applicants who have the right to work in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship.
Submitting an application
Please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in the position. Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [email protected] / 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.
Date advert posted: 03/08/2026
Closing date: 31/08/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
