ROV Pilot Technician

Job Description

Make your mark as Senior ROV Pilot Technician at Boskalis Subsea Services in Aberdeen.  You will be a key member of the offshore ROV team, responsible for piloting, maintaining, and troubleshooting remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems in support of subsea operations. This role provides technical leadership within the ROV crew and acts as a mentor to Pilot Technicians at Grades I and II. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong piloting proficiency, hands-on competence across electrical, electronic, and hydraulic systems, and a proactive approach to safety, planning, and task execution.

Working under the supervision of the ROV Supervisor, the Senior Pilot Technician plays an integral role in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality ROV operations. This includes overseeing complex tasks such as manipulator use, fibre-optic fault finding, and tooling deployment, as well as contributing to planning, reporting, and team development offshore.

The role requires excellent communication, sound judgement in dynamic conditions, and a commitment to maintaining high technical standards in line with company procedures, IMCA guidance (C005), and client requirements.

Your responsibilities as a ROV Senior Pilot Technician:

The main responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to;

• Execute advanced ROV piloting operations in support of subsea tasks including construction, survey, inspection, intervention, and tooling deployment, ensuring precision, safety, and compliance with procedures.
• Lead the launch and recovery of ROV systems, coordinating deck crew, verifying safe working practices, and overseeing the use of LARS and TMS systems.
• Diagnose and resolve faults in ROV systems including electrical, electronic, fibre-optic, hydraulic, and mechanical components, using test equipment, circuit diagrams, and company maintenance procedures.
• Perform planned and corrective maintenance on ROV systems and sub-systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications and the company’s maintenance management system (MMS).
• Monitor and interpret ROV telemetry, sonar, video feeds, sensor data, and vehicle diagnostics during live operations to support safe and accurate task execution.
• Operate and maintain manipulator systems, ensuring effective use for tasks such as valve operations, tool deployment, cutting, and recovery activities.
• Assist the ROV Supervisor in shift briefings, toolbox talks, risk assessments, and task planning, acting as operational lead in their absence (typically night shift or task-specific delegation).

Qualifications

You can make your mark as an ROV Senior Pilot Technician if you have: 

• A minimum of 360 days offshore in the role of ROV Pilot Technician Grade I – CV with work history to date including at least 100 logged piloting hours demonstratable on IMCA ROV Logbook.
• Multi-discipline Project Experience: piloting observation or work-class ROVs, exposure to consoles, sonar, manipulator arms and common subsea tooling (preferred).  In addition, previous involvement with fibre-optic, HV, or integrated ROV control and telemetry systems (preferred).
• Valid and current IMCA Company Member Competence Certificate or completed and validated IMCA Competence Portfolio supporting completion of all ROV Pilot Technician Grade I (R03) competencies.
• Technical qualifications: recognized technical qualification in electrical, electronic, mechanical, or hydraulic discipline (e.g. NVQ Level 3, HNC, military trade, or equivalent).
• ROV Introductory Training - successful completion of an IMCA-approved ROV Introductory Training course (IMCA R002 compliant), with valid certification.
• Technical Knowledge and Practical Skills - demonstrated competence in advanced fault finding, manipulator use, ROV piloting, and equipment maintenance across ROV systems.
• Communication and Leadership - proven ability to supervise and mentor junior team members, lead deck operations, and act as shift lead when required
• Offshore availability and resilience - willingness to work rotational offshore shifts in physically demanding conditions.
• Strong communication - works collaboratively, follows instructions, and contributes to a positive, safety-focused team environment and contributes positively to team dynamics and maintains clear, respectful communication.
• Problem-solving and initiative - seeks feedback and engages in CPD activities to enhance technical and operational capabilities.
• OPITO approved BOSIET with CA-EBS, MIST (for UKCS only) and OEUK Medical (including Bi-Deltoid shoulder measurements.

What you can expect

• A dynamic environment: A job that allows you to collaborate with a talented team of experts from different backgrounds and contribute to making a significant impact.
• Rewarding conditions:Besides a competitive salary, you will be part of a contributory pension scheme, private medical insurance and death in service benefit.
• Career development: We offer you plenty of opportunities to bring out the best in yourself for example through (online) courses at our Boskalis academy.  

Extra information

• Your team:  you will report to the ROV Supervisor (directly - offshore), ROV Manager (directly – onshore) and have the following indirect reports: ROV Pilot Technician Trainee, ROV Pilot Technician Grade II and ROV Pilot Technician Grade I.
• Where you will work: You will work on our designated DSVs or CSV with some exposure to our onshore Remote Operations Centre.
• Full/part- time job: The position of ROV Senior Pilot Technicianis a permanent role and will be offered on a Guaranteed Days Contract basis.
• Next steps: Apply easily by completing the online application form. Interviews are held online or in the office. Once it’s clear we’re a good match, we’ll make you an offer – and look forward to welcoming you to the company.

Additional Information

We are more than happy to answer your questions about the position of Senior ROV Pilot Technician.  Please contact Matthew Hurrel, Recruiter.

Please apply by filling in your details and by uploading your cover letter and CV on our careers site.

Please note: Boskalis never requests a financial contribution to arrange visas or other documents related to a job vacancy. Be wary of individuals who pretend to be our recruiters and do ask for such contributions.

Disclaimer for Recruiters and Recruitment Agencies

We appreciate your interest in our vacancies and understand that your candidate might be enthusiastic about this exciting opportunity. However, our recruitment process is not structured this way, at Boskalis we handle recruitment ourselves. Therefore, we do not accept unsolicited applications or CV.