What are the responsibilities and job description for the ROV Operations Lead position at The University of Southern Mississippi?
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of ROV Operations Lead.
Position Details Location Marine Research Center
1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States Division Ocean Enterprise Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded Yes Pay Grade
Generic Grade
Posting Close Date Five Days After Posted
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Lead serves as the senior technical and operational specialist responsible for the execution of remotely operated vehicle operations in support of oceanographic research, engineering initiatives, and offshore missions. This role provides field leadership for ROV deployments, ensuring system readiness, optimal operational performance, and technical oversight across multiple ROV platforms. The ROV Lead works closely with the Program Director to support the planning, development, and execution of a multi-system subsea program, contributing both strategic insight and hands-on expertise to advance mission success.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
High school diploma or equivalent and ten (10) years of experience working with ROV systems and offshore operations. Five (5) years in a leadership role such as ROV Lead, Supervisor, or Superintendent or a combination of schooling and experience. One (1) year of experience supporting scientific or research-based ROV missions. Seven (7) years of electrical, mechanical, and control systems troubleshooting. Five (5) years of leading offshore operations and managing ROV systems during live missions. Five (5) years of experience coordinating with scientists, vessel crews, and multidisciplinary teams across different vessels and onshore clients.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and ten (10) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ten (10) years of experience with work-class ROV systems and subsea intervention operations. Two (2) years of remote piloting experience and strong familiarity with control systems. Five (5) years of experience with fiber optic systems, high-voltage distribution, and subsea tooling, as well as five (5) years of experience in a leadership role such as ROV Lead, Supervisor, or Superintendent. Ten (10) years of experience with data collection systems (video, navigation, sensors, and 4K and 3D camera systems).
About The University Of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.
Position Details Location Marine Research Center
1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States Division Ocean Enterprise Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded Yes Pay Grade
Generic Grade
Posting Close Date Five Days After Posted
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Lead serves as the senior technical and operational specialist responsible for the execution of remotely operated vehicle operations in support of oceanographic research, engineering initiatives, and offshore missions. This role provides field leadership for ROV deployments, ensuring system readiness, optimal operational performance, and technical oversight across multiple ROV platforms. The ROV Lead works closely with the Program Director to support the planning, development, and execution of a multi-system subsea program, contributing both strategic insight and hands-on expertise to advance mission success.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead ROV operations during offshore and field deployments, serving as senior pilot/technician, and directing launch and recovery operations in coordination with vessel crew and stakeholders.
- Ensure safe, efficient, and mission-focused execution of subsea operations while promoting a strong safety culture and operational discipline.
- Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and control system issues in real time to maintain operational continuity.
- Oversee and perform preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis, and repairs to ensure all ROV systems remain in a high state of readiness.
- Coordinate maintenance schedules, system readiness, and task execution across multiple ROV platforms, including spare parts and consumables management.
- Manage day-to-day workflow within the ROV shop, including assigning and overseeing work performed by technicians, students, and support staff.
- Ensure systems are prepared, tested, organized, and mobilization-ready for upcoming missions, including logistics and mission preparation support.
- Track maintenance activities, system status, and readiness across all platforms while maintaining organized tools, equipment, and workspace.
- Serve as a technical resource and collaborate with scientists, engineers, and partners; support equipment integration, testing, upgrades, and proposal or technical planning efforts.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
High school diploma or equivalent and ten (10) years of experience working with ROV systems and offshore operations. Five (5) years in a leadership role such as ROV Lead, Supervisor, or Superintendent or a combination of schooling and experience. One (1) year of experience supporting scientific or research-based ROV missions. Seven (7) years of electrical, mechanical, and control systems troubleshooting. Five (5) years of leading offshore operations and managing ROV systems during live missions. Five (5) years of experience coordinating with scientists, vessel crews, and multidisciplinary teams across different vessels and onshore clients.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of ROV systems, including power, control, fiber optic systems, high-voltage distribution, and subsea tooling integration.
- Strong background in electrical, mechanical, and control systems troubleshooting, with proficiency in remote piloting and control systems.
- Ability to support the integration, testing, and modification of new equipment, sensors, and system upgrades.
- Experience developing operational procedures, best practices, and training programs, with the ability to provide hands-on and field-based instruction to staff and students.
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills, including maintenance planning, system readiness tracking, and workflow management.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, engineers, vessel crews, and external partners, across both industry and academic environments.
- Ability to travel and support extended offshore or remote field deployments.
- Ability to work across industry and academic environments.
- Experience supporting proposal development and technical planning for projects.
- Familiarity with data collection systems, including video, navigation, sensors, and 4K/3D camera systems.
- Ability to work in both shop-based and offshore/field environments, with willingness to travel domestically and internationally and work extended hours during deployments.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and ten (10) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ten (10) years of experience with work-class ROV systems and subsea intervention operations. Two (2) years of remote piloting experience and strong familiarity with control systems. Five (5) years of experience with fiber optic systems, high-voltage distribution, and subsea tooling, as well as five (5) years of experience in a leadership role such as ROV Lead, Supervisor, or Superintendent. Ten (10) years of experience with data collection systems (video, navigation, sensors, and 4K and 3D camera systems).
About The University Of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.