ROV Pilot Jobs in the U.S. Maritime Industry
2 open rov pilot positions, updated November 3, 2026
Open ROV Pilot Positions
About ROV Pilot Jobs
ROV pilot technician is a technical trade that happens to be offshore. In the control van you fly the vehicle for pipeline and structure inspection, subsea construction and intervention, survey support, drilling support, and increasingly cable and foundation work on offshore wind projects. Outside the van you are maintaining it: hydraulic power units, thrusters, manipulators, cameras and lights, tether management systems, sensors and the electrical terminations that saltwater keeps trying to ruin.
The maintenance half is what gets people hired. Companies want electronics, hydraulics and instrumentation troubleshooting, often from aviation, military or industrial backgrounds, and will teach the flying.
Work is project-driven. You mobilize to a vessel, work twelve hour shifts on a rotation while it is on location, and demobilize when the scope is done. Gulf of Mexico deepwater is the traditional center of gravity in the U.S., with growing activity on the Northeast wind projects and in survey and inspection work elsewhere.
Progression runs through logged flying hours and system competence toward senior pilot and supervisor, and experienced hands often move into offshore construction management or shoreside technical roles.
Living aboard, offshore survival and medical certifications, and a tolerance for standby days are all part of the deal.
Where ROV Pilots Are Hiring
Companies Hiring ROV Pilots
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does an ROV pilot technician do?
- Flies remotely operated vehicles from a control van aboard a vessel and maintains the system between dives. The job is roughly half piloting and half hydraulic, electrical and electronic troubleshooting.
- What background do ROV companies hire from?
- Commonly electronics, hydraulics, avionics, instrumentation or military technical trades. Several companies also hire graduates of dedicated ROV training schools. Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting ability matters more than sea experience.
- What are the grades in ROV work?
- Typically trainee, pilot technician grades two and one, senior pilot technician and supervisor. Progression is based on logged flying hours and demonstrated maintenance competence.
- What rotation do ROV crews work?
- Offshore projects are usually even time, commonly 28/28, with twelve hour shifts while the vessel is on location. Work is often project-based and travel-heavy.