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Dynamic Positioning Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Noble Corporation

Dynamic Positioning Operator

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Serve as Navigational Watch Officer while relieved from DP duty. Maintain constant communication ... Proficient in office applications, dynamic positioning control systems, and other systems required ...

Dynamic Campus

Chief Information Officer

Reading, PA · On-site

... to Dynamic Campus Core Values Preferred : • 3 or more years of Higher Education experience as a CIO or similar leadership position • Experience with higher education administrative system ...

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Dynamic Positioning Officer information

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$17.5K

$68.6K

$155K

How much do dynamic positioning officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for dynamic positioning officer in the United States is $68,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges a Dynamic Positioning Officer faces when working on offshore vessels?

Dynamic Positioning Officers often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather and sea conditions, which require constant vigilance and quick decision-making to maintain vessel stability and safety. Coordination with bridge teams, engineers, and offshore project crews is essential, as operations are highly collaborative and communication is critical. Additionally, handling complex DP systems and troubleshooting technical issues under time pressure can be demanding, making ongoing training and adaptability key to success in this role.

What is a Dynamic Positioning Officer?

A Dynamic Positioning Officer (DPO) is a specialized maritime professional responsible for operating and monitoring a vessel's dynamic positioning (DP) system. This advanced system uses computer-controlled propellers and thrusters to maintain a ship’s position and heading automatically, even in challenging sea conditions. DPOs work on vessels such as offshore supply ships, drilling rigs, and construction vessels, ensuring precise positioning for safe operations. They must be highly trained and certified, following strict international guidelines and standards. Their role is critical for offshore operations where anchoring is not feasible or safe.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dynamic Positioning Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dynamic Positioning Officer, you need a solid background in marine navigation, DP operations, and maritime safety, usually supported by a valid DP Operator Certificate and relevant maritime licenses. Familiarity with dynamic positioning systems (such as Kongsberg or Rolls-Royce), ECDIS, and vessel management software is crucial. Strong situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork skills help manage vessel stability and coordinate with crew under pressure. These competencies ensure safe and efficient vessel operations in challenging offshore environments, minimizing risks and maintaining compliance.

What is the difference between Dynamic Positioning Officer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectDynamic Positioning OfficerMarine Engineer
CredentialsDP Certification, STCW certificationsMarine Engineering License, STCW certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard vessels with DP systems, offshore operationsEngine rooms, machinery spaces, onboard ships
Industry UsageOffshore oil & gas, renewable energy, subsea constructionShip operations, vessel maintenance, propulsion systems

The Dynamic Positioning Officer and Marine Engineer roles both require STCW certifications and work in offshore maritime environments. While the DP Officer focuses on maintaining vessel position using DP systems, the Marine Engineer manages engine and machinery operations. Both are essential in offshore industries but serve different technical functions.

More about Dynamic Positioning Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Dynamic Positioning Officer jobs? Cities with the most Dynamic Positioning Officer job openings:
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Dynamic Positioning Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dynamic Positioning Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,634 per year, or $33 per hour.
Dynamic Positioning Operator

Dynamic Positioning Operator

Noble Corporation

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

The DPO is the Junior DP watchstander, who trains and works under the direct supervision of the Senior DPO. The DPO is to maintain the vessel on station for operations while on location, and monitor position while underway/making way. They continuously monitor all systems critical for DP operations, while on the DP desk. Serve as Navigational Watch Officer while relieved from DP duty. Maintain constant communication with rig floor, ROV and Engine control room to maintain a high level of awareness to current operations and power systems. Maintain all required forms, logs and check lists in a professional and timely manner. Understand and follow FMEA, WSOG, DP Operations Manual, Standing Orders, and Night Orders. Aid in the maintenance of DP system components and position monitoring references if necessary. Responsible for implementing and upholding safety and environmental compliance requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelors degree in Marine Transportation preferred.
  • 1+ years of experience on DP vessels and experience in an industrial marine environment.
  • Unlimited DPO certificate issued by the Nautical Institute.
  • USCG Unlimited Tonnage Any Oceans Third Mate's License, or equivalent.
  • Completion of all training requirements for the position within designated time period.
  • Proficient in office applications, dynamic positioning control systems, and other systems required for the position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Work under the direction of the Sr. DPO to gain greater knowledge and proficiency in DP operations.
  • Optimize vessel position and heading to minimize vessel force required to maintain location.
  • Continuously monitor current and forecasted weather and met ocean conditions to anticipate changes in net forces acting on the vessel.
  • Understand and follow prescribed WSOG, Standing Orders, Night Orders, and Noble policies.
  • Maintain a high level of situational awareness while on watch. Take all measures to minimize any distractions to prudent watchkeeping.

Operations
  • Operate the automated and fixed station keeping system of the vessel.
  • Coordinate with Master and Rig Manager to move on or off location, starting or securing the Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems.
  • Monitor the Dynamic Positioning System and its associated equipment and instrumentation to maintain the desired position of the unit over the well during drilling operations.
  • Communicate with the Sr. DPO, Master, Drill Floor and Engine Room during inclement weather conditions to ensure the DP system is in an optimal setup to maintain the desired position during operations.
  • Maintain good communications with the drill floor, engine control room, ROV and Subsea at all times, and advise whenever a situation is developing that might affect operations.
  • Advise the Driller and Master of potential position loss.
  • Assist Chief Mate and Master with deck operations as required.
  • Assist in performing Preventative Maintenance on DP equipment and set up the DP system operational parameters.
  • Assist running and maintaining records for hydrophones and subsea beacons.
  • Be familiar with basic operational theory and failure modes of satellite and acoustic position reference systems.
  • Be familiar with the principles of basic closed-loop control system theory; Emergency Response Manual; and the operation of all software required for the DPO position.
  • Complete training on any other systems relevant to the DP.
  • Control the vessel using manual and joystick controls.
  • Ensure that all defects and anomalies are reported to the Sr. DPO and Master as well as any relevant department heads.
  • Ensure that all DP system data are recorded.
  • Ensure that there is adequate power and reserves of power for the maintenance of position and operations; give immediate attention to any problems.Function as vessel radio operator. Maintain proper GMDSS and Radio watch.
  • Support Sr. DPO in navigation and Watch Officer's duties during transit.
  • Know basic operational theory, calibration methods, and failure modes of electronic riser and stack angle sensors.
  • Know operational response to all DP alarms (who to call, what to do) and all Vessel Management System alarms (who to call, what to do).
  • Know principles and planning of Power Plant operations and DP operations.
  • Know principles of: (1) DP processing of reference systems, wind sensors, VRS, and other peripheral equipment; (2) thrusters performance, failure modes and operation;
  • Know vessel's: (1) Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and its implications; (2) Know vessel's operations manuals and communication system.
  • Maintain the rig in a stable condition and at the correct draft and trim.
  • Make regular use of the onboard simulator, where available.
  • Manage the deck crews, working outside with them as required.
  • Monitor all DP room alarms, including DP system, Vessel Management System (VMS), Fire and Gas; Prioritize alarm response as necessary to maintain DP system operability by calling for technical assistance or additional DP room help.
  • Monitor and keep abreast of weather conditions at all times.
  • Operate and understand the ballast control system, Power Management System, and fire and gas systems.
  • Operate dynamic positioning equipment under the direction of the DPO; and vessel's radios and radars as required.
  • Possess a basic knowledge of the architecture of distributed automation systems; practical operation of the DP control system, including changing between systems and the various modes of operation.
  • Possess knowledge of general math, trigonometry, and geometry.
  • Possess system-specific knowledge of (1) DP Control System redundancy, alarms & warnings; (2) Vessel Management System redundancy, alarms and warnings.
  • Sound ballast and bulk tanks. Assist with loading and sampling of bulk products as required.
  • Possess a basic understanding of: (1) drilling operations and well-control; (2) Emergency Disconnect Sequences (EDS) and Blowout Preventor (BOP) operations; (3) boat handling; (4) diesel generator controls, operations, and failure modes; (5) helicopter operations - be familiar with basic operational theory and failure modes of pitch/roll/heave sensors; (6) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations; (8) rig offset test to verify stack heading; (9) WSOG, drift-off calculations, and riser analysis.
  • Stand navigation watch as authorized by the individual's license.
  • Stay aware of vessel movements outside and outside of the 500 meter Security Exclusion Zone. Follow protocols for vessels alongside.
  • Train and instruct assigned personnel as requested by management.
  • Understudy the Sr. DPO.
  • Update all marine navigation publications and navigational charts.
  • Use daily DP operational experience to continuously advance personal knowledge and pass on lessons learned.
  • Use radar displays for detection and interpretation of local severe weather patterns.
  • Use the Data Logger to optimize DP and Power Plant Operations to detect and mitigate DP and Power Plant problems and to back up data by exporting Data Logger data to Excel format.
  • Voyage planning.
  • Work with and assist various groups of key supervisory personnel on the rig.

Maintenance & Repair
  • Support Sr. DPO in ensuring that the DP system is repaired and pre-tested between well locations and is in 100% operational condition before arriving on location.
  • Consult with outside technical experts or specialists are required.
  • Support in the maintenance requirements for the DP system and its associated equipment as necessary.
  • Ensure that adequate spare parts are available to service the DP system and its associated equipment and that spare parts requiring special handling are properly stored to prevent damage.
  • Work with and assist various groups of key supervisory personnel on the rig.

Administrative
  • Maintain a daily DP system logbook and prepare a weekly report concerning pertinent station keeping activities or any other activities applicable to maintaining the unit's position as well as special reports when warranted or requested by management.
  • Maintain up-to-date records of the DP system equipment, performance, changes, additions, replacements, maintenance schedules, etc. and evaluate this information to improve operational efficiency and minimize downtime.
  • Upkeep and use of dedicated check lists and accuracy.
  • Ensure administrative tasks are completed timely and accurately.

Health, Safety, & Environmental
  • Implement and uphold Noble's safety policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that all operations proceed safely. Correct and notify responsible parties of any unsafe acts and/or conditions that exist.
  • Encourage and motivate personnel to observe safety and environmental policies and all intended and implied requirements of Noble's Management System.
  • Maintain safety and security of the ship's crew and passengers and the operational condition of the life-saving, firefighting, and other safety systems. Lead the ship's firefighting and damage control response from the deck level. Train and instruct members of the ships firefighting party.
  • Assist the DPOs, Chief Mates and/or Master during emergencies and emergency protection responses as designated on the Station Bill.
  • Assist in training of crewmembers in the firefighting, safety and deck operations.
  • Responsible for familiarizing and adhering to Noble's Live Safe Code to promote a zero-incident and no-harm workplace.
  • Responsible for familiarizing and utilizing Noble's Hazard Identification Tool to manage risk created by various energy sources found in the workplace.
  • Attend and actively participate in daily pre-tour and weekly safety meetings.
  • Ensure compliance with the requirements established in Noble's Management System.
  • Initiate a safety stand-down whenever an unplanned hazard or change in the expected results is observed.
  • Perform all Safety Critical Tasks as detailed in the HSE Case.
  • Incorporate the STOP the job planning process into all tasks, whether working alone or as part of a team.
  • Assist during emergencies and emergency protection responses as designated on the Station Bill.
  • Develop and implement Job Safety Analysis and prepare hazard assessments as required.
  • Responsible for compliance with all government regulations.

SUPERVISORY
  • None

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