Marine Operations Apprentice (Sept 2026)

Job Title - Marine Operations Apprentice

Job Location - Portchester, UK

Job ID - 33338

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end to end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

About this opportunity and L3Harris UK

Operating at 11 sites in the United Kingdom, L3Harris supports Britain's mission to secure and strengthen the country by delivering sovereign innovation across the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains.

L3Harris in Portchester is part of our Maritime International business - a leading global supplier of integrated marine control systems and simulation products for warships, submarines and high end commercial marine vessels worldwide. Our Maritime UK business has four UK locations and together we are powering the Royal Navy's adoption of autonomous surface vehicle technology as well as delivering autonomous capability to UK ports, harbours and offshore energy service providers.

This is a 2 year fixed term contract.

Applications will close on 10th April 2026.

Successful applications will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre on 6th May 2026.

A day in the life of Maritime Operations Apprentice

As a MarOps apprentice you will be part of an active, dynamic team, tasked with delivering operational support to small vessel projects in the UK and around the World.

A typical week could see you working from our Portchester office, helping to maintain a fleet of small, autonomous vessels used for delivering testing, training and real world operations. You could be stripping down a waterjet propulsion system, testing communication links or servicing lifesaving equipment. The following week could see you heading off to Europe (and further) to support a live trial, working with customers and colleagues on a huge variety of interesting projects, demos and operations.

As part of a highly skilled team, you'll be trained not only how to look after these craft, but how to operate them in the challenging environment of the Solent and beyond. You'll gain invaluable experience and knowledge along the required maritime based qualifications to eventually enable you to operate as a commercial skipper.

We are looking for someone who has a hands on approach to problem solving, is happy to get their hands dirty and is ready for a work environment like none other. Ideally with a real interest in the maritime environment and some technical skills, you'll be given first class training and an opportunity to be involved with pioneering one of the most fascinating growth areas in the maritime world.

If you have a passion for travel, getting out of the office and working with a large variety of craft and important customers from around the World, then this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Apprenticeship Information

L3 Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Delivered in partnership with the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) and UKSA. Mixture of online learning and attendance at UKSA.

A few of our employee benefits are:

• Half day finish on a Friday
• 25 days holiday per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with long service and with the opportunity to buy/sell up to 5 days
• Private medical insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme of up to 8% employer contribution
• Life Assurance 4x salary (flexible up to 10x)
• Group income protection
• Flexible opt in extras such as a health care cash plan, dental insurance, gym membership, critical illness cover, cycle to work scheme, travel insurance and electric car scheme
• Employee Family Assistance Program providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Professional membership reimbursement (discretionary)

What the role will involve

• Operational Support: Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of maritime operations, both onshore and offshore, including the deployment and recovery of unmanned systems
• Logistics Coordination: Support the organisation of travel, shipping, site access, and operational schedules, ensuring compliance with safety and security procedures.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate logs, records, and reports of maritime operations, including operational checklists, risk assessments, and debriefs
• Compliance & Safety: Work with senior Maritime Operations staff to ensure all operations follow health, safety, and environmental guidelines and adhere to maritime regulatory requirements
• Stakeholder Liaison: Collaborate with internal teams (Commissioning, Program Management, Operations) and external stakeholders (ports, clients, regulatory bodies) to enable successful operations
• Asset Readiness: Assist in managing the inventory and readiness of operational assets, equipment, and documentation needed for deployments
• Continuous Learning: Participate in training and development activities to build knowledge of unmanned marine systems, maritime regulations, and operational procedures
• Completion of the Level 3 Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Apprenticeship with Marine Society

What you'll bring

• GCSE Maths - 9-4
• GCSE English - 9-4
• A problem solving attitude
• Attention to detail
• Reliability
• Punctuality
• Willingness to learn
• Team player
• Passion for marine systems
• Good communication

Important to know

Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to government security checks.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities for all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.