Field Support Engineer Technician

Field Support Engineer Technician Plymouth-based role to commence Jan/Feb 2026. Strictly no recruiters. Overview Founded in 2020, Acua Ocean (AO) is a fast-growing and dynamic start-up at the forefront of the carbon net zero and maritime autonomy sectors. We are hiring a Field Support Engineer Technician to work within our growing Field Operations Team developing cutting edge technology to use in our Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). A successful candidate must be a team player with a passion for sharing knowledge and be ready to be at the grassroots of this growing business supporting the growth of a robust and diverse team delivering results that will revolutionise the way we protect and monitor our oceans. Who you are: Practical and at ease in a waterfront environment. Confident in your engineering skills in workboats. Has experience in positions of responsibility for compliance with workplace engineering, marine and safety legislation. Dynamic and resourceful; you work efficiently and autonomously, you must be content to work with a high degree of flexibility and be on site to support marine activities.. Able to work within and/or manage teams of colleagues from diverse backgrounds, skills, knowledge, levels of experience and expertise. You build strong working relationships and communicate effectively with your colleagues across various functions. You balance commercial considerations with a drive for quality, evaluating the data to inform your decision making. What you'll do: Take ownership of USV and waterfront equipment maintenance, ensuring all vessels are mission-ready. Lead with electrical and mechanical installation activities. Implement vessel configuration changes and support hardware updates. Support seagoing activities as a crewmember of various AO-owned or chartered workboats during technically challenging sea trials, in Plymouth and elsewhere. Provide technical support to sea trials and demonstrations in the UK and abroad, expecting travel to various operating sites. Support the systems design, installation and test of our vessels. Contribute to the compilation of trial plans, operating manuals and safety cases. Provide in-house technical training and operational guidance to engineers and subcontractors. Support trials management and execution; review and assess system design deliverables against trial outcomes. Be included in trial/demonstration and other general duties watch rosters. Support AO's ethos to monitor and protect the ocean in a sustainable manner - you will have an influence on how the systems are designed and used to meet new challenges relating to performance, uptime and scale. What you'll need (Essential): Minimum of an industry-recognised UK marine electrical engineering qualification (e.g., Level 3 Diploma in Marine Engineering, City & Guilds/BTEC HNC or equivalent in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or similar relevant technical certification). Proven experience in basic marine and electrical engineering, specifically focused on maintenance and fault diagnosis. Working knowledge of relevant safety and compliance legislation (e.g., HSE and MCA guidance). A UK Cat B driving licence. A desire to take responsibility, and ownership of tasks under tight deadlines. A willingness and flexibility to commit to reactive changes to a dynamic sea trials programme, including travel. An ability to work effectively as part of a team, with strong relationship-building skills. What's desirable (not essential): Hands-on experience with USV/Marine Robotics hardware, including sensors, power systems, and/or propulsion units. Prior experience in sea trials or operations involving autonomous systems. Experience in ROV operation and maintenance and/or hydrographic survey operations. RYA Powerboat Level 2 or other equivalent small craft handling qualification (to act as crew/support vessel operator). An ITSSAR (or equivalent) workplace slinger signaller qualification. An RTITB (or equivalent) forklift truck driving qualification. A UK Cat C1 or above driving licence. Benefits/Compensation: £42-47k salary. 24 paid vacation days plus Christmas closure and bank holidays. Comprehensive benefits package from Vitality - access to full health insurance including dental coverage. Life insurance to 4x your annual salary. Awesome perks such as discounted gym memberships, mental health cover and global health coverage. When not required at a waterfront site, a hybrid work environment. Company laptop.