Life at UCC

Hear From Our Team:

Commercial Diving Employment at UCC

At Underwater Construction Corporation (UCC), our success is deeply rooted in the dedication and expertise of our extraordinary team. We are not just a company; we’re a team of passionate divers, innovators, and problem solvers who are united by our commitment to excellence.

Our employees are the driving force behind our history of remarkable achievements, and their voices are the most powerful testament to the exceptional workplace we’ve cultivated.

Meet Keith, Vice President

How long have you been in the commercial diving industry?
“40+ years”

Why has building a career at UCC been meaningful to you?
“Everyone I’ve worked with over the past 40 years is still here. We’re friends, and they’re great people to work with – smart and experienced. When you have a group like that around you, it starts to feel like family. There’s really no reason to leave.”

What surprised you the most about working at UCC?
“After 14 years of traveling around the world with UCC, I met my wife while on the job at a nuclear power plant. That was definitely not something I saw coming!”

Any advice for new divers?
“I’d say start your career with UCC. I did, and I was very fortunate to have that opportunity.”

Meet Diana, Diver Mechanic

How long have you been in the commercial diving industry?
“5.5 years”

In what ways has UCC aided the growth of your career?
“The company itself is run by great, supportive people, and you get out of it what you put in.”

What surprised you the most about working at UCC?
“Just how friendly and helpful your peers and supervisors are, and how everyone is so informative. And we have many tools and blueprints to complete the job.”

What have you found beneficial about working at UCC?
“The knowledge gained. It’s great to see how each supervisor works a job out and their different techniques. As the diver, you can then take those techniques and apply them to your own.”

Meet Jay, Project Manager

How long have you been in the commercial diving industry?
“35 years”

Why have you chosen to build your career at UCC?
“UCC offers so many resources and opportunities across different divisions. The professionalism is unmatched, the industry standards are very high, and their commitment to safety is phenomenal.”

What makes UCC’s team and culture unique?
“From the owners and CEO and everyone in between, it feels like a family.“

What advice or insight would you share with future UCC divers?
“UCC is an amazing place to work. It’s supportive, professional, and full of opportunities to grow your career.”

Meet Brandon, Operations Manager

How long have you been in the commercial diving industry?
“Since 1997.”

Describe working at UCC in one word.
“Fulfilling.”

What inspired you to become a commercial diver?
“It’s something I had always wanted to do in the back of my mind, but I didn’t know how to do it. I thought you had to join the Navy. Then randomly, I was at the dentist and saw an ad for a diving school in a magazine – it said ‘All Welcome’. Within a week I was at diving school.”

What do you love about your role at UCC?
“We’re given opportunities to grow and succeed – you need to work for it – but the opportunities are available. For example, when I was with another company working offshore, there was a hierarchy established according to the number of years you worked, so it was a long process to advance. What I like about UCC, the opportunities are wide – not limited to just diving – and you can grow as fast as the effort you’re willing to put in.”

Meet Chris, Sales Manager

How long have you been in the commercial diving industry?
“40+ years”

How did UCC help you grow professionally throughout your career?
“At UCC, opportunities for growth are always available. If you work hard, stay focused, and perform well, you can advance your career.”

In one word, how would you describe working at UCC?
“Fun.”

What would you want future UCC team members to know?
“Your fellow divers and team members feel like family, and you have the opportunity to grow and succeed together.”

Meet Diego, Diver Mechanic/Certified Underwater Welder

How long have you been in the commercial diving industry?
“2.5 years”

Describe working at UCC in one word.
“Trust”

What do you love about your role at UCC?
“I get to dive more now as a diver mechanic and as I’ve grown, supervisors trust me to report how conditions are found and left during my dives. And I love that initial jump into the water from a boat!”

In what ways has UCC aided your career growth?
“I was able to get trained and passed my tests to receive my AWS underwater welding certification through UCC. I also learned more on how to complete an underwater substructure inspection.”

Life on Land

We believe a strong company culture – built on a positive, supportive, and collaborative environment – is key to our success. Our employees actively participates in local initiatives, giving back to the neighborhoods we serve. We also host a variety of events and activities that encourage teamwork, connection, and a healthy work-life balance.

Beyond the job site, UCC creates opportunities for colleagues to recharge, connect, and grow together. From company gatherings to everyday moments, life on land is about building relationships that make the work more meaningful and the experience more rewarding.

2025 Annual Meeting

UCC’s executive leaders gathered for our annual meeting, which included discussions on ways to support our people, strengthen our culture, and deliver exceptional results for our customers.

2024 Pro-Veteran Charity Golf Classic

Michael Pellini and Ray Palumbo were proud to participate in this golf tournament supporting APK Charities Corp. and House of Heroes Connecticut. As a sponsor for the 5th consecutive year, UCC was grateful to help raise $30,000 for these incredible organizations.

Community + Connection

UCC is proud to be an active part of the communities where our employees live and work. Our team regularly participates in local events, charitable initiatives, and community efforts that reflect our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our projects.

These shared moments strengthen bonds, reinforce a sense of purpose, and bring people together. By showing up as a group outside of work, we cultivate stronger relationships, a deeper sense of responsibility, and a culture rooted in respect and connection.

UCC is Team Rolling Thunder

At the 2nd annual Plane Pull, UCC’s Team Rolling Thunder pulled a 90,000-pound Boeing Next-generation 737 jetliner 20 feet and helped the organization raise an incredible $47,000+ for Special Olympics Connecticut.

A Local Hero

Due to the quick thinking and lifesaving actions of our teammate, Nick Stathakis, and his daughter, a life was saved in Michigan. All UCC divers maintain current CPR and first aid certifications.
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Team Culture

Great work starts with a supportive team environment. UCC brings employees together through company-wide meetings, group activities, and family-friendly events that promote collaboration, trust, and open communication.

These experiences help reinforce safety-first values, keep everyone aligned, and build a culture where colleagues feel supported and empowered – both on the job site and in everyday life at UCC.

28th Annual Tennessee Valley Authority Golf Tournament

Ray Palumbo, Todd Miller and Darrell Moody proudly participated in the TVA golf tournament benefitting Chambliss Center for Children in Chattanooga, TN. This event aims to preserve family unity and caring for children in need through early childhood education, affordable childcare and residential services for children in state custody. We were honored to support an organization that makes such a meaningful impact.

A Symbol of Service, a Legacy of Excellence

At UCC, we celebrate our employees’ commitment and expertise in a special way – by awarding a bronzed U.S. Navy Mark V diving helmet to those reaching 20 years of service. This lasting symbol reflects their dedication and excellence in the commercial diving industry. We congratulate and thank all who have earned this well-deserved honor.

An Evening of Holiday Magic

The holiday season came to life as UCC employees and their families climbed aboard the Essex Steam Train for a special trip to the North Pole. Moments like these reflect our commitment to family, connection and celebrating the people who make UCC what it is.

Celebrating Years of Dedication

Each year, UCC recognizes team members who reach 5, 10, and 20 years of service. These milestones reflect the skill, experience, and pride our people bring to every project. They’re a reminder of the teamwork and commitment that make UCC strong year after year.

Join Our Underwater Team

At UCC, we recognize dedication and long-term commitment, celebrating the milestones and contributions that shape our company’s legacy. Many of our employees build lasting careers here – growing their skills, expanding their responsibilities, and earning respect through experience. By honoring both the demands of the work and the lives our people lead outside of it, we’ve built a culture where employees feel supported, connected, and proud of what they do.

If you’re ready for a career that goes beyond the ordinary – one that offers opportunity, stability, and the chance to grow in underwater marine construction and commercial diving – explore our open positions and discover your future at UCC.

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Ask a Question

If you have a question about commercial diving employment at UCC, our application process, or want to know more about us, fill out the quick form and a member of our HR team will be in touch.