Maritime Digitalisation and Autonomy Technology Lead

487213 Maritime Digitalisation and Autonomy Technology Lead

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Apply before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 11th November 2026

📍 Location: Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

💷 Salary: £45,900 – A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Full-time,

🏆️ Available Positions: 1

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Maritime Digitalisation and Autonomy Technology Lead to join the Maritime Innovation Hub. You will help the MCA anticipate and respond to developments in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, data, connected technologies and maritime autonomous surface ships. Working across industry, academia and government, you will generate insight, support policy and regulatory colleagues, and help innovators understand the maritime regulatory environment. This outward-facing role offers the opportunity to shape how emerging technologies are understood and applied across the maritime sector, supporting safer, more sustainable and efficient shipping while contributing to the government’s growth mission.

Top Responsibilities

Leading the MCA’s input to the IMO Digitalisation Strategy and support delivery of the wider international digitalisation agenda.
Maintaining an in-depth understanding of maritime digitalisation, autonomy, maritime autonomous surface ships and remote operation.
Establishing industry networks and horizon-scanning mechanisms to identify emerging opportunities, risks and regulatory implications.
Producing clear internal and industry guidance on new digital and autonomous technologies.
Supporting policy and regulatory colleagues in responding to technological, industrial and regulatory change.
Helping UK innovators understand the maritime regulatory regime and opportunities to enter or operate in the market.

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
Access to the staff discount portal.
Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

Proven ability to develop and sustain a thorough understanding of digitalisation trends, emerging technologies, maritime autonomy and their impact on industry practices.
Experience building industry networks or using horizon scanning to generate insights and drive sector-wide engagement on digitalisation or maritime autonomy.
Experience engaging with senior stakeholders, facilitating customer engagement initiatives, and efficiently gathering and responding to feedback.
Proven ability to translate complex technical detail into clear, practical recommendations.

How to Apply

👉 Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/4zkVpwS

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Wednesday 11^th November 2026