At Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), we supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver a vast range of essential defence programmes, and strive for what's next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe for today, and tomorrow.

We offer 26.5+ days holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of around 27%, to help work work for you.

Nationality, visas and vetting: For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A sole UK national refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. Were unable to offer visa sponsorship.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 10 years and obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you have been recruited for. If it isnt obtained or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining DV security clearance can be a lengthy process. Youll join us once Security Check (SC) clearance is obtained, and then the more enhanced DV checks will continue after youve started your employment. If SC clearance isnt obtained within 12 months, we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made.

If you are excited by the prospect of working with industry leading subsea technology in a challenging environment, then this could be the ideal opportunity for you! The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Team is looking for an AUV Surveyor to join them as part of the wider Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) department.

SALMO is the lead across the MoD for the provision of marine salvage and emergency response. Our team of specialists including Master Mariners, Marine Engineers, Naval Architects, Environmental Scientists, ROV Pilots and Divers provide a centre of expertise for subsea activities and marine operations. Our operations are varied and include: salvage assistance to damaged surface vessels, location of aircraft on the sea-bottom, survey of WWII wrecks, towage of warships and submarines, emergency response preparedness exercises and underwater engineering support to rectify defects on Navy platforms at home and overseas. We are a flexible, highly trained and multi-skilled team who are ready to respond at short notice worldwide.

As part of the team, you will help deliver a discrete capability within SALMO using cutting edge commercial AUV technology to provide deep water survey outputs in support of SALMO and wider MOD objectives. We will provide you with the necessary training and help you on your journey to becoming an experienced AUV Surveyor. You will have opportunities to learn and develop your specialist knowledge and will be actively supported in this respect. 

This role is operationally important and as such attracts allowances (SALMO Terms and Conditions) depending on the working situation the employee is undertaking at that time.

Please be advised that this post is based at a location within 10 miles of MOD Abbey Wood.

What youll be doing

• Deploy afloat with the AUV system, circa 10-12 weeks split over multiple deployments each year
• Survey planning and post mission analysis
• Day to day management of data storage, and system security as well as being responsible for developing systems and standard operating procedures
• Operate as an integral part of the AUV team, working to assist the AUV Operations Manager in the planning and organisation and conduct of pre-and post-deployment activity

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Practical hands-on experience in an offshore surveying/marine operations role or geospatial data analysis (such as marine archaeology or imagery analysis)
• Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience of working together as part of a team

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:

• Improve Engineering Capability Supervised Practitioner
• Technical Decision Making Supervised Practitioner
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

We champion a balanced approach to work at DE&S. While regular in-person attendance is required for at least 3 days per week to foster the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, we also offer flexibility in hours to support a healthy work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourself with the site, the team, and your role.

• 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 27%
• 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

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether youre 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 youll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of - and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

#LI-Hybrid

Further Information

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

Job contact :

• Name : India James - DE&S Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]