Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Type: Full-time | Permanent
About the Role
Are you passionate about automation, robotics, and cutting-edge industrial technology? Our client is seeking a Controls & Automation Engineer to develop intelligent, high-performance systems that power subsea fiber cable production.
In this hands-on, high-impact role, you'll help design and optimize the automated systems that move, handle, and inspect subsea fiber cable across advanced manufacturing operations. You'll be directly involved in exciting projects such as:
- Autonomous cable loading into pans and tanks
- Automated gantry-to-pan connection systems
- Smart pan stacking logistics
- Real-time defect detection during shipload operations
Requirements
- Unfortunately relocation isn't available with this role. You should be in a commutable distance from Portsmouth, NH.
- You will need to be a US Citizen/Green Card holder or similar as sponsorship or future sponsorship isn't available for this role.
As a Controls & Automation Engineer, you will:
- Design, implement, and maintain PLC-, industrial PC-, and robot-controlled systems.
- Integrate advanced motion control hardware such as servos, gantries, and position feedback devices.
- Support machine vision systems for cable inspection and alignment.
- Perform structured controls troubleshooting and implement corrective actions.
- Develop and validate safety-critical control systems, including interlock logic and fail-safe operations.
- Lead commissioning, trials, and acceptance testing for new automation equipment.
- Partner with mechanical engineering to design safe fixtures and minimize risk.
- Analyze downtime data to identify and prevent recurring issues.
- Maintain detailed system documentation - wiring diagrams, PLC code archives, and O&M standards.
- Update and maintain Standard Procedure Instruction Manuals (SPIMs) to reflect automation changes.
- Collaborate with Training & Certification teams to develop accurate operator training materials.
- Train operators and technicians on system use and troubleshooting techniques.
- Identify opportunities to reduce operator dependency, increase throughput, and drive continuous improvement. Note: This position may require occasional overtime or shift flexibility to support key production schedules.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, or a related field (preferred).
- 3+ years of industrial automation or motion control experience (may substitute for degree).
- Strong experience in PLC and motion control programming (Allen-Bradley or equivalent).
- Hands-on knowledge of industrial networking, safety systems, and hardware integration.
- Skilled at integrating cameras and sensors into automation systems.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills across all organizational levels.
- Familiarity with mechanical systems interfaces and ability to read mechanical and electrical schematics.
- Proficient with data acquisition tools and documentation software.
- Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement principles is a plus.
- Reliable, adaptable, and safety-focused - with the flexibility to support any production shift when needed.
You'll join an innovative engineering team driving the future of automation in a technically advanced manufacturing environment. This is your chance to contribute to global-scale engineering projects, work with cutting-edge robotics and control systems, and make a tangible impact on safety, efficiency, and performance.