Join to apply for the Commissioning Manager role at SubSea Craft Limited.
We are seeking a Commissioning Manager to lead the end-to-end commissioning of our complex maritime craft and its systems. This is a 6-month full-time contract (37.5 hours per week) with a competitive hourly rate of £50–£60. The role is primarily based in Portsmouth, with occasional travel to our Trials, Testing & Training facility in Portland, Dorset. Candidates should ideally hold or be eligible to attain SC clearance.
Overview
SubSea Craft is a fast growing, privately funded, UK-based SME delivering Advanced Maritime Technology. We leverage our team’s defence experience with cross-industry partnerships in the field of advanced naval engineering. Our flagship product, VICTA, is a Diver Delivery Unit - a surface submersible craft designed to operate at speed over range and capable of rapid transition beneath the surface to operate submerged, enabling the discreet delivery and recovery of divers. It is a unique, innovative British product focused primarily on the defence market but with utility beyond.
Responsibilities
* Lead Multi-Disciplinary Commissioning: Oversee and manage all commissioning activities for the craft’s systems – including low-voltage and high-voltage electrical systems, mechanical assemblies, hydraulic controls, and embedded software/controls. Ensure that all subsystems are integrated and fully functional, meeting design specifications and operational requirements before handover.
* Project Planning & Execution: Develop comprehensive commissioning plans, procedures, and schedules. Coordinate testing phases (both on-site in Portsmouth and at the Portland test facility) to verify that each system component and the overall vessel perform to expected standards under real-world conditions.
* Team Leadership: Lead a small cross-functional team of engineers (mechanical, electrical, and software) and technicians throughout the commissioning process. Provide clear direction, set priorities, and encourage collaboration across disciplines to troubleshoot issues and achieve milestones.
* Testing & Troubleshooting: Lead the team in conducting rigorous subsystem and system-level tests (e.g. power distribution, propulsion, control software, hydraulics). Identify any faults or integration problems quickly and work with engineers to resolve them. This includes hands-on fault-finding and coordinating iterative improvements or fixes across different engineering domains.
* Quality & Safety Compliance: Ensure all commissioning activities adhere to company quality standards and safety protocols. Implement thorough checklists and testing records for compliance. Promote a safety-first culture during all trials (both in workshops and during at-sea/underwater testing), aligning with relevant maritime and electrical safety regulations.
* Documentation & Handover: Maintain detailed documentation of commissioning results, test reports, configurations, and any modifications made. Prepare clear commissioning reports and “action lists” of outstanding items. Ensure a smooth handover of the fully commissioned system to the operations trials team, with all necessary documentation.
* Stakeholder Communication: Act as the key point of contact during commissioning for internal stakeholders and (when required) client or end-user representatives. Provide regular progress updates, highlight risks or delays, and manage expectations. Coordinate with project managers, design engineers, and external suppliers to ensure any issues are addressed promptly and do not impede the project timeline.
* On-Time Delivery: Drive the commissioning phase to meet schedule and budget targets. Proactively plan resources and contingencies to keep the commissioning on track. The Commissioning Manager is expected to ensure that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety, in alignment with SubSea Craft’s goals.
Required
* Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relevant engineering field
* Hands-on experience in systems commissioning for complex engineering projects. This should include a track record of commissioning integrated systems that involve electrical, mechanical, and software elements.
* Experience in maritime vessels, submarines, automotive or aerospace prototypes, or industrial automation systems.
* Knowledge of low-voltage (LV) and high-voltage (HV) electrical systems, including power distribution and control circuits. Familiarity with mechanical systems (engines, drives, pneumatics/hydraulics) and their control mechanisms
* Prior experience as a team lead or manager in a testing or commissioning environment is preferred
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, especially under pressure during test phases.
* Full UK Driving License
Desirable
* Experience in Autonomous Systems
* Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status (CEng or IEng)
* Experience in software engineering
* SC clearance.
Location
Portsmouth with travel to Portland in support of craft operations and Test and Trials periods.
What We Expect From You
* Teamwork, mutual respect and collaboration
* Initiative and independent working
* Honesty and integrity
* Business and commercial awareness
* Agility, adaptability and continuous development
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Contract
Job function
* Project Management and Information Technology
Industries
* Defense and Space Manufacturing
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