Controls and Automation Engineer

Location: Newington

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 - Sub Com 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 Sub Com 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), Sub Com 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 preferred3+ 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…