Engineering Manager (Ocean Engineering Group)

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton 

Permanent  

Full time

£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 Scientific Engineering (SE) facility at the NOC develops, operates and maintains a diverse range of scientific instruments and equipment supporting UK marine science, as part of the largest centralised marine scientific pool in Europe (https://noc.ac.uk/facilities/national-marine-equipment-pool). The SE fleet consists of geophysics equipment, seafloor and water column sampling equipment, stationary and towed profiling bodies, hydroacoustic and hydrography equipment, ocean and atmospheric monitoring equipment, data acquisition systems, and portable winch and container laboratory systems. SE engineering is grouped into three areas, each with 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 SE group and lead the Ocean Engineering Group (OEG). You will be joining a team of enthusiastic engineers who are operating a broad spectrum of capabilities worldwide 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 OEG 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 of third party scientific equipment for OEG operations
• Working with scientists and the wider NMF team to deliver effective OEG operations that are consistent with NMF protocols and best practice.
• Providing seagoing operational leadership and support of OEG and other sea systems assets as required.
• Working with other SE Senior team members to ensure efficient group operation and to help define the strategic objectives for SE.

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, with significant relevant experience of the operation 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.
• 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 engineering 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.
• 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.

The 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: 7 January 2025. 

Closing date: 4 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.