National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£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 Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS) group at National Oceanography Centre develops, operates and maintains the UK’s marine science robotic fleet. The fleet consists of AUVs, subsea gliders, unmanned surface vehicles, ROV and Towed Underwater Vehicles.  We operate our systems worldwide, deploying our research equipment in both the Arctic, Antarctic and the deep oceans in between. Our systems have surveyed, photographed and sampled the oceans around the world. The focus of the team’s work is to support the marine scientist community and commercial customers in their efforts to understand the ocean, and to monitor the associated resources. 

Within MARS we both develop bespoke robots such as Autosub Long Range and upgrade commercial platforms. Working in collaboration across MARS the Mechanical Team is responsible for the mechanical design of new platforms and support upgrades and integration of new sensors in operational robots.   

The Senior Mechanical Engineer (Mechanical Theme Lead) oversees the MARS Mechanical Team playing a crucial role in the life cycle of new robotic systems, working on the mechanical design of multiple projects, taking them through from concept, detail design, manufacture, testing and deployment at sea. 

This is a development focussed role, but the successful candidate will be expected to occasionally work away from home to support field trials. It may also require some seagoing time on research ships. 

About you

You will have significant experience in leading the mechanical design of complex systems, with a proven ability to take your projects from initial concept to completion. You will have extensive experience leading small teams and be comfortable working in a mulit-displinary setting. You will be an expert user of 3DCAD (Autodesk Inventor an advantage), design data management tools (DDM preferred) and be comfortable both using hand calculations and appropriate numerical analysis tools (ANSYS an advantage), during the design process. Experience of all areas of development throughout the full engineering development life-cycle is highly desirable, as is experience in some aspects of marine engineering. 

You will have a close attention to detail, be a completer finisher and have a commitment to producing high-quality, robust design solutions suitable for deployment in high-risk ocean environments. 

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

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 / .

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 suitable candidates with a disability. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted: 12/08/2024

Closing date: 09/09/2024. Please note this vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants. 

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.