ROV-Pilot/Technician (Under water robotics)

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 ROV Technician within the NMF department, you will be the specialist for our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). You will participate in the maintenance, deployment and development of this 6000-meter deep-water ROV and our other underwater technology. You play an important role in preparing missions, operating the ROV at sea, troubleshooting and developing custom solutions. At the same time, you will also work with colleagues on our AUVs, gliders and instrument pool.

Tasks:

• Preparing, testing and operating the ROV during expeditions

• Performing maintenance, upgrades and failure analysis

• Maintaining technical documentation and data processing

• Collaborating with colleagues and researchers for optimal deployment

• Developing new tools, modifications and integrations

THE CANDIDATE

• You have completed an HBO-level education in Maritime Engineering, Maritime Officer, Electrical Engineering, Ocean Technology (Hydrography), or a similar field or have relevant work experience.

• Preferably have experience as a marine equipment technician e.g. survey equipment or ROV, AUV, USV

• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to act quickly in challenging

• situations.

• Able to work independently and communicate effectively with the team.

• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Willingness to travel and work in locations around the world.

• You can read technical drawings both mechanical and electrical.

• You have command of English, both oral and written or willing to learn Dutch.

• You have a flexible, enthusiastic and service-oriented attitude.

• You are confident and have the courage to take responsibility.

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 8 or 9, depending 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.