Ready to dive into a career like no other? If you’re driven by innovation, thrive in high-stake environments, and inspired by the idea of working with cutting-edge subsea technology, then this is your moment. The Ministry of Defence’s Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) unit is on the lookout for a passionate and skilled Subsea Vehicle Engineer to lead operations at the forefront of underwater engineering and marine recovery.

You will be part of the Seabed Operations team within SALMO, overseeing the management and execution of subsea surveys using both Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The team currently operates Kongsberg Hugin AUVs and Perry Slingsby Work Class ROVs to support salvage and wreck management tasks.

You will be combining office-based engineering responsibilities with hands-on operational work at sea. In the office, you will collaborate closely with project and operational managers on activities such as procuring new systems, developing technical requirements, and producing engineering management plans and supporting documentation. At sea, you will take on the role of engineering manager, overseeing the launch, recovery, and maintenance of systems. You will also use your technical expertise to operate, troubleshoot, and repair subsea systems while providing line management for junior engineers during deployments.

The position is ideal for an experienced AUV or ROV technician or engineer seeking a more varied role in a stable environment, or for a hands-on project engineer looking for a new and exciting challenge.

Why join SALMO? SALMO is the MOD’s centre of excellence for marine salvage and emergency response. Our multidisciplinary team, ranging from Master Mariners and Naval Architects to Environmental Scientists and Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) / Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) Operators, delivers critical support to UK Defence operations around the globe. Whether it’s locating downed aircraft on the seabed, surveying wrecks, towing warships, or conducting emergency response drills, our work is as varied as it is vital.

What’s in it for you? This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a real impact. The role is operationally critical and comes with additional allowances under SALMO Terms and Conditions, reflecting the importance and intensity of the work you’ll be doing.

What you’ll be doing

• Operating and maintaining all mechanical, electrical, electronic and software systems on AUVs, ROVs, associated Launch and Recovery Systems as well as ancillary equipment in an operational state and ensuring that all maintenance and modifications are recorded and an audit trail maintained.
• Supporting the generation and maintenance of AUV and ROV technical requirements to support acquisition and in-service systems.
• Developing, and regularly reviewing of Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments for the engineering aspects of the ROV and AUV operational process.
• Acting as the engineering lead for rectification of defects, design change, liaising with stakeholders within the MoD and industry partners to support the subsea capabilities.
• Ensuring that all equipment is operated and maintained in compliance with policy and Original Equipment Manufacturer guidelines.
• Managing AUV engineers, monitoring and developing their competences.
• Supporting the lead engineer and delivery team in the management of safety, security, and environmental artefacts to support procurement and operations.

Person specification

• An Engineering, Science, Technical, Technology or Marine based qualification at RQF minimum of Level 4 or equivalent. (Lead Criterion)
• IMCA accredited certification as an ROV or AUV Pilot/Technician Grade 1 or a Survey Engineer Grade 1, or a recognised company equivalent, with at least 360 days of documented offshore experience and a minimum of 100 hours piloting an ROV or AUV at Grade 1 level. All experience must be verifiable through a logbook.

OR

• With a relevant Professional body/institution related to be professionally registered as one of the following –
•  Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or
•  Registered Scientist (RSci) or
•  Incorporated Marine Engineer (IMarEng) or
•  Incorporated Marine Technologist (IMarTec)

            AND

• Experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes in small scale task and project.
• Broad relevant technical experience in subsea activities or marine operations with evidence of problem solving and risk management.

This role is subject to Retained Grade Terms and Conditions and differ from the DE&S standard Terms and Conditions.

For SALMO Retained Grade seeking promotion, please refer to Part 2, Section 10.2 of the SALMO Retained Grade Handbook.

Due to the nature of this role, you are:

• Required to be fit to pass and maintain a two-yearly ENG1 seafarers medical (no geographical limitations)
• Required to enlist as a Royal Navy Sponsored Reserve
• Expected to work extended hours as and when required in support of operational commitments
• Required to live within 60 minutes travelling time of the base to which you are appointed
• Required to hold an in-date UK driving licence

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Core Behaviour 1: Making Effective Decisions – CSBC 3

• Core Behaviour 2: Leadership – CSB3 3

• Technical Competence 1: ECF_03 Supportable Technical Solutions – Practitioner

• Technical Competence 2: ECF_01 Suitable Systems and Systems Thinking – Supervised Practitioner

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £53,400, Ministry of Defence contributes £15,469 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Full time staff employed for less than 5 years are entitled to 26.5 days’ annual leave per year, rising to 31.5 days per year after 5 years of service
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes
• Further information on the SALMO T&Cs can be found via the link in further information, below

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So, whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• SALMO Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/SALMO-Terms-and-Conditions

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here. 

Disability Confident

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section ‘Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.’

Conflicts of Interest

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the ranking of the assessed behaviours and competencies below:

• 1st: Core Behaviour 1

• 2nd: Core Behaviour 2

• 3rd: Technical Competencies

• 4th: CV Review

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise the Lead criterion, and/or and additional assessment.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email: DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk 

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints – Civil Service Commission 

Ready to join us as an Subsea Vehicle Engineer? Apply now!