I AM BLACK HISTORY | William Johnson Jr.

William Johnson Jr.

William Johnson Jr. is Black History because he built access in an industry where none existed.

A Navy veteran and Houston based underwater robotic engineer, William is the Founder and Owner of W Johnson Consulting, the first and only Black owned ROV Operations Company in the United States. In a field dominated by legacy companies and limited representation, he saw the gap and chose to close it.

With more than 25 years of experience in underwater robotics, William developed his expertise in high stakes subsea environments, working on offshore rigs, conducting inspections, and managing complex robotic systems beneath the ocean’s surface. His work requires precision, technical mastery, and the ability to operate in some of the most demanding conditions in the world.

But for William, technical excellence was never enough.

Throughout his career, he recognized the glaring lack of Black representation in underwater technology, engineering, and oil and gas operations. Instead of simply acknowledging the problem, he created a pathway forward. W Johnson Consulting was founded not only to provide elite ROV operations, but to open doors for others to enter the field.

That vision led to the creation of the Blue Workforce Academy, a hands on training and mentorship initiative designed to equip future ROV pilots with real world skills. Students learn how to operate and maintain advanced systems such as the VideoRay Defender Pro 5 ROV, gaining exposure to subsea robotics, troubleshooting, and offshore readiness.

William’s innovative teaching style even incorporates gaming controllers to simulate mission control, making complex engineering concepts accessible and practical.

His mission is clear. Ownership creates leverage. Training creates opportunity. Representation creates legacy.

By partnering with institutions like Prairie View A&M University and engaging young people across Houston, William is building a talent pipeline into high paying technical careers that most never knew were possible. He is not only training operators. He is expanding economic mobility.

William’s journey from military service to corporate high tech roles to entrepreneurship reflects discipline, vision, and courage. He transitioned from serving his country in uniform to serving his community through access, mentorship, and economic empowerment.

In an industry operating miles below sea level, William Johnson Jr. is elevating what is possible above it.

Black History is not only about breaking barriers. It is about building institutions that outlive you. And William Johnson Jr. is building one mission at a time.