Function
Engineering Science
Group
Marine Autonomous and Robotics (MARS)
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£45,233 - £49,619
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) group 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 (https://noc.ac.uk/facilities/national-marine-equipment-pool).
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the MARS group as ALR Operations Engineer.
You will join a close-knit, dedicated and enthusiastic multidisciplinary team operating our Autosub Long Range (ALR) Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) worldwide. https://www.noc.ac.uk/our-work/marine-technology/ocean-vehicles/autonomous-underwater-vehicles/autosub-long-range
The ALR Operations team is focussed on delivery of operations utilising MARS’ in-house developed AUV, Autosub Long Range (ALR), developed for ocean survey & scientific missions.
The ALR Operations Engineer will provide engineering and operation support as part of the ALR team and will also work closely with the Glider and AutoSub5 operations teams within MARS.
The ALRs have seen significant recent success:
- Operating under ice sheets and sea ice in Antarctica;
- Deploying on research expeditions off the NOC-operated Research Vessels RRS Discovery & RRS James Cook, incorporating diverse and leading sensor packages.
- Completing a 2500km over-the-horizon deployment from Iceland to the UK (a world’s first for this type of vehicle).
- Completing pioneering surveys of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and decommissioned oil industry sites, launching and recovering from shore >100km from the sites of interest.
The role offers an exciting opportunity to operate and advance a key capability at the forefront of marine science. You will contribute to 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 complete – as part of a skilled and dedicated team—will make a significant and lasting contribution to ocean science.
The role will involve:
- Providing support for operations involving the MARS long-range fleet - vehicle preparation, maintenance, calibration, mobilisation, and operational deployments from shore-bases or research vessels.
- Carrying out vehicle maintenance & development, integrating new sensors, troubleshooting problems and improving performance.
- Working with the team to further develop/improve ALR operations and procedures.
- Piloting the MARS long-range fleet as part of the team’s rota. This includes weekend and out-of-hours duties.
- Work with commissioning scientists to help design ALR operations to best address their science questions.
- Work with the MARS development team to assist with the future development of the ALR and other vehicles as required.
About you
The ideal candidate will:
- Be qualified to HNC/HND or higher in a directly relevant engineering discipline, degree level or higher in a related discipline, or have relevant experience in autonomous vehicles.
- Have a broad engineering knowledge with a basic understanding of physics, mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical systems, and software development.
- Have an ability to understand technical challenges, and a strong track record of providing well-considered technical solutions to engineering problems.
- Have experience working in a marine engineering area (preferably in Marine Autonomous Systems) or a closely related discipline.
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and excellent attention to detail, and be able to demonstrate these through documentation produced and presentations given.
- Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, with strong interpersonal skills, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Plan and manage your work independently given broad direction, contributing effectively to the team both ashore and at sea.
- Be self-motivated, flexible and innovative, with the ability to resolve issues under challenging situations at sea and deliver high-quality, reliable work at base.
A working knowledge of AUVs or gliders would be highly desirable.
Experience working in engineering design and development, as well as conducting trials or operations of complex electromechanical systems would be desirable.
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.
As part of this role, you will be required to undertake fieldwork and occasionally work at sea.
Why the 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.
The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week.
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 submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. 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.
Date advert posted: 22/07/2026
Closing date: 19/08/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
