Controls and Automation Engineer

Are you looking for an opportunity with plenty of growth potential? Do you enjoy working in an exciting, fast-paced, collaborative environment? Are you interested in working with the world’s most innovative companies to create a more connected world?  

Connecting Continents. Impacting Communities.  

The backbone of the Internet is a series of high-tech subsea fiber optic cables deployed throughout the globe - SubCom has deployed over 50% of them. Our employees ensure data communications networks are engineered, manufactured, deployed to the highest standards, enabling faster and more reliable connectivity to communities worldwide. Every member of the SubCom team plays a role in an end-to-end process that is critical to enterprises, governments, big cities, and rural towns.  

We encourage, expect, and value creativity, thoughtful risk taking, openness to change, and diverse perspectives. Whether you’re a seasoned applicant seeking a new and exciting challenge, or you’re new to the workforce and looking for a flexible, rewarding, and fast-paced position with an innovative and stable organization (since 1953), SubCom has opportunities to advance your career.  

The Controls & Automation Engineer is responsible for developing the automated systems that move, handle, and inspect subsea fiber cable throughout Cable Handling & Assembly operations. This role supports major ongoing automation projects including autonomous cable loading into pans and tanks, automated gantry-to-pan connection systems, intelligent pan stacking logistics, and real-time defect detection during shipload operations.

You will work closely with mechanical, quality, and manufacturing engineering to ensure automation initiatives are production-ready, safe, reliable, and cost-effective. Candidates must be willing and able to work any shift when needed to support critical manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities and Duties:  (*Indicates an Essential Function)

• *Design, implement, and maintain PLC-, industrial PC, and robot-controlled automation systems

• *Integrate motion control hardware including servos, gantries, and position feedback devices

• Support machine vision–based systems for moving cable inspection and alignment

• Perform structured troubleshooting and corrective action on controls-related issues

• Develop and validate safety-critical controls solutions, including interlock logic and fail-safe behaviors

• Lead commissioning, trials, and acceptance testing for new automated equipment

• Collaborate with mechanical engineering on fixture design, guarding, and risk reduction

• Analyze downtime data and drive preventive improvements

• Support the creation of system documentation including wiring diagrams, PLC code archives, and O&M standards

• Revise and update Standard Procedure Instruction Manuals (SPIMs) to reflect automation upgrades, new systems, and revised work practices

• Work collaboratively with the Training and Certification Package (T&CP) team to ensure operator training materials accurately reflect current equipment, controls, and safety requirements

• Train operators and technicians on automated systems and troubleshooting fundamentals

• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to reduce operator dependency and enhance throughput

• Other duties and special projects as assigned

• Overtime may be required, based on business needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline preferred

• 3+ years of industrial automation or motion control experience may be considered in lieu of degree

• Strong PLC and motion control programming experience (Allen-Bradley or equivalent)

• Practical knowledge of industrial networking and safety system design

• Demonstrated experience integrating cameras and sensors into automated equipment

• Effective troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills

• Ability to collaborate with all levels, including operators, technicians, and manufacturing leaders

• Solid knowledge of mechanical systems interfaces

• Ability to read mechanical schematics and electrical wiring diagrams

• Strong computer proficiency including data acquisition tools and documentation systems

• Exposure to Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement principles preferred

• Regular attendance required; overtime may be required based on business needs

• Willingness and ability to work any shift if necessary to support production

Physical Demands:

Ability to pass a “Fit for Duty” physical exam. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Wear the proper personal protective equipment for each task, including, but not limited to, safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, dust mask, etc.
• Climb up and down from equipment; climb up and down a ladder and work at heights up to 40’.
• Regularly lift and/or move 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms and use hands to finger, or handle objects, tools and controls.
• Ability to stand, walk and climb stairs regularly.
• Ability to bend, squat, stoop, kneel or crouch frequently.
• Ability to talk and/or hear frequently.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors regularly in all elements.
• Ability to enter into and work within confined space.

• NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.  

   

  Candidates for positions with SubCom must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  

   

  Our selection procedure is based on local, state, and federal law. 

  Please be sure to attach a resume to your application. We are not able to consider applications without a resume.  

  BENEFITS  

  SubCom offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to: competitive salaries, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverages, FSA, HSA, generous vacation, paid sick leave, paid parental leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, and a 401(k) plan with generous company match. Additionally, some positions may be eligible for shift differential.  

  AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYER OPPORTUNITY  

  SubCom is committed to providing a work environment that prohibits discrimination based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristics protected by applicable law or regulation.  

   

  SubCom engineers, manufactures, and installs subsea fiber optic data cables - the unsung heroes of global communication. With an unrelenting focus on quality, reliability, and value, SubCom offers flexible end-to-end building blocks for the high-tech networks that are the backbone of the world's digital infrastructure. While the company's origins date back to the mid-19th century, SubCom has deployed enough cable to circle the equator more than 25 times since its entry into the communications industry in 1955. 

   

  SUBCOM’S CORE VALUES  

   

  Quality   -   Accountability   -   Teamwork   -   Innovation