Job Title: Automation Systems EngineerDepartment: Engineering
Location: Pascagoula, MS
SummaryThe Automation Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, development, integration, and support of marine automation and control systems in accordance with customer requirements and applicable maritime rules/standards. This role produces complete functional, physical, and electrical designs including schematics and interconnects for control consoles, remote I/O enclosures, generator controls, and associated equipment. The engineer develops PLC software and configuration, supports system testing/commissioning, and produces technical documentation including manuals and test procedures.
Key Responsibilities- Develop marine automation and controls system designs from requirements through final release (functional, physical, electrical).
- Create electrical design packages including:
- Control console schematics and wiring diagrams
- Remote I/O enclosure layouts and wiring
- Generator control and power management control schematics (as applicable)
- Interconnect diagrams and cable schedules
- Functional diagrams (block diagrams, loop diagrams, network architecture diagrams, cause & effect)
- Select components and create BOMs suitable for marine environments (shock/vibration, corrosion considerations, certifications where required).
- Program and configure control systems including PLC logic, HMI/SCADA screens, alarms, trends, and data logging.
- Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and communications (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, Profinet, CAN, serial).
- Develop system I/O lists, control narratives, cause & effect matrices, and alarm management philosophy.
- Produce technical documentation: operating manuals, maintenance manuals, software documentation, and as-built packages.
- Author test procedures and execute/support: FAT, HAT (if applicable), SAT, dock trials, and sea trials.
- Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and resolution of system issues in collaboration with production, service, shipyard, and customer teams.
- Ensure designs comply with customer specs and applicable maritime rules and requirements, including (as applicable):
- USCG regulations and guidance (e.g., marine electrical/automation expectations, inspection support)
- ABS, DNV classification rules for marine automation, power, and control systems
- Relevant IEC/IEEE marine electrical practices and internal engineering standards
- Participate in design reviews, schedule tracking, risk identification/mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Interface with customers, shipyards, vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders to clarify requirements and drive on-time execution.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or Computer Engineering from an accredited university or college (Master's level or higher preferred)
- 3+ years of automation/control systems experience in the maritime industry (shipboard systems, shipyards, integrators, marine OEMs, or class-regulated industrial environments).
- Working familiarity with USCG, ABS, and DNV rules/requirements applicable to marine automation and electrical/control systems (and ability to design/document accordingly).
- Strong experience with electrical schematic design tools (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or equivalent).
- PLC programming experience (one or more: Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Schneider, Beckhoff, WAGO, etc.).
- Hands-on understanding of control panel design, wiring practices, grounding/shielding, EMC/EMI considerations, and I/O integration.
- Experience developing test procedures and supporting FAT/SAT and commissioning activities.
- Strong troubleshooting skills with a structured, safety-focused approach; ability to work effectively in shipyard/shipboard environments.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with shipboard integrated automation, power management, generator controls, propulsion-adjacent controls, and remote monitoring.
- Familiarity with other maritime standards and requirements (as applicable): IEC 60092 series, IEEE 45/1580, and customer specs.
- Experience producing class/submittal packages and responding to class comments/IRNs.
- Industrial cybersecurity familiarity for control systems (segmentation, account management, backups, patching, logging).
- Field commissioning/sea trial experience and comfort supporting operational testing.
Work Authorization / Other- Must be eligible to work in the U.S. (US Citizen)
- Ability to pass background screening as required by customer programs.
Physical Demands/ Travel RequirementsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Ability to work in production, shipyard, and shipboard environments (PPE, ladders, confined spaces as applicable).
Travel up to 10-15% (project dependent) for FAT/SAT, shipyard support, and sea trials.
Work EnvironmentReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment can vary.
