Robotic Systems Engineer
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent,
Full time (37 hours per week)
£42,062 - £46,141
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
We are looking for a proactive Systems Engineer to join our exciting Robotics Systems Team within the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton.
Housed in a new state of the art facility, you will have the opportunity to develop, operate and maintain the UK’s marine science robotic fleet, supporting cutting edge science and addressing global marine science questions.
The Robotics Systems Team forms part of the wider Marine Autonomous Robotic Systems (MARS) Group, responsible for a fleet of high-tech marine gliders and vehicles that allow scientists to explore the oceans in ways that previously weren’t possible. The Team operates worldwide from the coast to the deep oceans, with vehicles deployed beneath glacial ice tongues in Antarctica, under sea ice in the Arctic, and in every ocean in between.
With ownership of the entire development process, you will take a project from initial idea all the way through to specification, design, implementation, test and sea-trial. You will contribute to a variety of exciting and innovative projects, including the development and trial of upgraded Boaty McBoatface.
About you
We are looking for a professional engineer with a relevant qualification in Engineering or a closely related discipline with a broad engineering skill set. You will have the ability to translate high-level requirements into actionable engineering specifications and design solutions while clearly articulating complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A key aspect of the job will be integration of new systems, sensors and software.
Understanding of quality management concepts and implementation in an industry environment is highly desirable, to ensure high reliability outputs from the team. You will be committed to maintaining engineering standards, along with safe, effective, and reliable operations.
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: 09/04/2025.
Closing date: 07/05/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.

Please refer the Job description for details