Jason Deslatte is a Workshop Lead Technician VI in Oceaneering’s Morgan City, Louisiana, facility. He manages the subsea robotics integration technicians who work on remotely operated vehicle (ROV) projects, including new and upgraded cage and vehicle builds.
Jason’s technical path started early in his career when he worked at his grandfather’s fabrication business, building pressure vessels for various industries. In addition to welding, Jason learned structural and pipe fitting techniques.
“After developing those skills, I worked at the salt mines on Avery Island, Louisiana, home of the famous Tabasco Hot Sauce. That’s where I learned carpentry, plumbing, concrete work, iron work, millwright, and heavy equipment operation.”
He also worked as a pipe fitter on large floating platforms in the Gulf of Mexico before joining Oceaneering in 2001.
“I worked my way up from a Mechanical Technician, assembling ROV cages and vehicles, to an Integration Technician where I learned how an entire ROV system works from mechanical, electrical, fiber optics, telemetry and communication paths, and operation. In 2009, I accepted the integration supervisor position.”
On a typical day, Jason makes sure the technicians have the parts, equipment, tools, and documentation needed to effectively perform, assemble, and test products while maintaining schedule attainment, efficiency, and quality metrics.
He’s most excited by the new product development and technology aspect of his job. As the world’s largest manufacturer and operator of work class ROV systems, Oceaneering is redefining the role of ROVs in today’s industries by increasing efficiency through advanced remote piloting, communication, and tooling offerings.
“I was highly involved in the design and testing of an ROV Integrated Pumping Solution and have worked on many custom ROV design and build projects, including our Isurus™ and Nexxus ROVs. My team also assists the Oceaneering Mobile Robotics and Entertainment product lines by collaborating with engineering to improve general assembly and maintenance on products in our facility.”
Jason’s advice to job searchers is to learn new skills, master old ones, and view mistakes not as failures but as learning opportunities.
“Experience is key. All my other jobs and years of experience have led to my success at Oceaneering.”