NMF Robotics Manager (AUV/ROV/USV)

NIOZ, the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the national oceanographic institute and the Netherlands’ center of expertise for ocean, sea and coastal research. NIOZ aims at advancing fundamental understanding of marine systems, the way they change, the role they play in climate and biodiversity, and how they may provide sustainable solutions to society in the future. NIOZ also provides the Netherlands’ marine scientific community with state-of-the-art research vessels and equipment. Knowledge and seagoing facilities are available to the wider marine science community, both nationally and internationally. Seagoing infrastructure at NIOZ is provided through our department of National Marine Facilities (NMF). Here we develop innovative solutions and continuously update and upgrade our capabilities. To serve the marine science community, we have embarked on an ambitious renewal of the national research fleet and seagoing equipment between 2020 and 2025. This renewal includes setting up a Marine Robotics group, which will operate and further develop a suite of autonomous and remotely controlled underwater and surface vehicles. For this group we are now hiring five new staff. The new group will consist of four technicians and a tenure track scientist.

The new robotics group at NIOZ, with its unique collaboration of engineers with scientists and the already existing in-house work facilities, give NIOZ a unique edge in developing novel equipment and instruments for the future. Together with our university partners, we will develop accompanying research programmes and opportunities to use the new equipment and research fleet.

THE VACANCY

As Robotics Manager within the NMF department, you play a key role in the technical support of marine scientific research. You are responsible for the daily management of the robotics team and the operational deployment of our underwater robotics and instrument pool. You will be responsible for the coordination, safety, maintenance and continued development of our marine robotics infrastructure, including a 6000m ROV, 2000m AUV, gliders, and expansion into USVs (Uncrewed Surface Vehicles). You will also play an active role in developing and implementing new measurement equipment and sensor technology for our systems (together with the Tenure Track Scientist, see above). You drive technical development projects in close cooperation with internal experts and external partners. You report directly to the head of NMF.

Tasks:

• Lead the robotics team and coordinate deployment and maintenance

• Oversee the technical preparation of equipment for expeditions

• Monitor the quality, safety and performance of all robotic operations

• Collaborate with scientists for optimal deployment of systems

• Develop and implement a future vision for robotics (including USVs)

• Drive development projects for new sensors and system expansions

• Budget management, procurement and planning of maintenance and innovation

• Occasional participation in expeditions for technical support and supervision

THE CANDIDATE

• You have a college degree or higher in Maritime Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Ocean Technology or similar discipline

• At least 5 years of proven operational experience at sea with managerial responsibility within offshore robotics (such as ROV, AUV or USV)

• You have operational experience at sea with robotics or survey equipment

• You have experience in leading technical development projects (R&D)

• You have affinity with scientific research and technology innovation

• Experience in managing and developing technical teams

• You have good organizational and communication skills

• You are fluent in English, orally as well as in writing and or willing to learn Dutch

• You have a flexible, solution-oriented, hands-on and proactive work attitude

• You are decisive, can plan well and set priorities

NIOZ wants to be a transparent institute with a healthy working climate and an inclusive culture, where people from diverse backgrounds and gender bring their talents and further develop these talents. We aim for inclusive decision-making processes and expect our leadership to show visible commitment, awareness of bias, and cultural intelligence.

Please note that non-EU citizen can apply for this position only if they have a valid work permit for working in the Netherlands as it is not regarded as a scientific position.

THE CONDITIONS

• Employment of this full-time position at Royal NIOZ is by NWO-I for a duration of 1 year with prospects of a permanent position.

• Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 10, classification in scale based on relevant experience.

• The freedom to fulfil your role and space and opportunities for your personal (talent) development with the help of the NIOZ Academy.

• 338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week.

• Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%.

• 2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%.

• Employment benefits plan to exchange a portion of your salary for days off or vice versa or can be used to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits.

• NIOZ offers relocation expenses for employees and support with finding accommodation.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Yvo Witte (Team coordinator NMF support). For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to working@nioz.nl.

The closing date for this vacancy will be the 31st of August 2025.