Controls and Automation Engineer (4668)

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.