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Cable Laying Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves ... ship procedures. * Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable ...

... cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves ... ship procedures. * Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable ...

... cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves ... ship procedures. * Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable ...

... cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves ... ship procedures. * Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable ...

... cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves ... ship procedures. * Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable ...

... cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves ... ship procedures. * Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable ...

... cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves ... ship procedures. * Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable ...

... cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves ... ship procedures. * Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable ...

... cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves ... ship procedures. * Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable ...

Naval Architect

$89K - $148K/yr

Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T-AKE), Underway Replenishment Oilers (T-AO), Cable Laying/Repair (T-ARC), Rescue/Salvage Ships (T-ARS ...

Electrical Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T-AKE), Underway Replenishment Oilers (T-AO), Cable Laying/Repair (T-ARC), Rescue/Salvage Ships (T-ARS ...

Electronics Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T-AKE), Underway Replenishment Oilers (T-AO), Cable Laying/Repair (T-ARC), Rescue/Salvage Ships (T-ARS ...

Structural Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T-AKE), Underway Replenishment Oilers (T-AO), Cable Laying/Repair (T-ARC), Rescue/Salvage Ships (T-ARS ...

Marine Electrician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Be proficient at planning, laying-out and installing equipment and cabling. * Be proficient at ... Have a firm knowledge on ship's compartmental layout. * Capable of running cable including banding ...

Marine Electrician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Be proficient at planning, laying-out and installing equipment and cabling. * Be proficient at ... Have a firm knowledge on ships compartmental layout. * Capable of running cable including banding ...

Marine Electrician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Be proficient at planning, laying-out and installing equipment and cabling. * Be proficient at ... Have a firm knowledge on ships compartmental layout. * Capable of running cable including banding ...

... cabling, navigation and communications equipment, emergency management systems, and shipboard or ... Configure and support Layer 1 infrastructure and network hardware, including routers, switches ...

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Cable Laying Ship information

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$15

$22

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How much do cable laying ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cable laying ship in the United States is $22.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cable Laying Ship position, and why are they important?

To thrive as part of a cable laying ship crew, you need a background in maritime operations, marine engineering, or electrical systems, often supported by relevant maritime certifications such as STCW or GMDSS. Familiarity with dynamic positioning systems, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and specialized cable handling equipment is essential. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are highly valued in this collaborative and technically demanding environment. These skills ensure the safe, efficient installation and maintenance of undersea cables while adapting to challenging and changing sea conditions.

What companies lay undersea cables?

Companies that lay undersea cables include global telecommunications firms, specialized marine contractors, and engineering companies such as SubCom, NEC, and Alcatel Submarine Networks. These companies operate specialized cable-laying ships and employ skilled crews, including cable lay technicians and marine engineers, to install and maintain undersea fiber optic cables for international communications.

What is the highest paid job on a ship?

On a cable laying ship, the highest paid roles are typically senior officers such as the captain or chief engineer, who oversee operations and ensure safety. These positions require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills, and they often earn the highest salaries among crew members.

What do cable-laying ships do?

Cable-laying ships are specialized vessels used to install underwater cables for telecommunications, internet, and power transmission. They carry, deploy, and secure cables on the seabed using specialized equipment, often working in challenging marine environments and requiring navigation and technical skills. The job typically involves working in shifts and adhering to safety and environmental regulations.

What is a Cable Laying Ship job?

A Cable Laying Ship job involves working on a specialized vessel designed to lay underwater cables for telecommunications, internet, and power transmission. Crew members include engineers, technicians, and deckhands who operate and maintain equipment used to deploy and repair cables on the ocean floor. Responsibilities often include cable splicing, navigation assistance, and ensuring the proper installation of subsea infrastructure. The job requires technical expertise, physical endurance, and the ability to work in challenging marine environments.

What is the typical work schedule and environment like on a cable laying ship?

Working on a cable laying ship generally involves extended deployments at sea, which can range from several weeks to a few months at a time, depending on project scope and weather conditions. Crew members typically work in rotating shifts to ensure 24/7 operations, allowing the vessel to maintain continuous progress. The onboard environment is highly collaborative, with close coordination between deck, engineering, and technical teams. Life onboard offers a unique mix of challenging technical work and camaraderie, with communal living spaces and shared meals, fostering a strong team dynamic. While the work can be demanding and often requires adaptability to variable conditions, many crew members enjoy the opportunity to travel and the sense of accomplishment that comes from contributing to large-scale global connectivity projects.

Can I work on a cargo ship with no experience?

Working as a cable laying ship crew member typically requires relevant training and certifications, such as safety and maritime courses. Prior experience in maritime or technical roles can be beneficial, but entry-level positions may be available for those willing to undergo training and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments are also important.
More about Cable Laying Ship jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cable Laying Ship jobs? The most popular types of Cable Laying Ship jobs are:
What states have the most Cable Laying Ship jobs? States with the most job openings for Cable Laying Ship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cable Laying Ship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cable Laying Ship jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cable Laying Ship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,182 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Engineer in Charge (6537)

Engineer in Charge (6537)

SubCom

Williamsburg, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


SubCom rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

437th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

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.
Position Overview
The Engineer in Charge position leads engineering and implementation of deep-sea cable installations and cable repair operations. The position requires leading teams of cable engineers, cable jointers, and transmission engineers on activities associated with the installation and repair of submarine cable systems. This position requires in-depth knowledge of all facets of Shore End Installations, Deep Sea Installations, Vessel Loading, Route Clearance Operations and Post Lay Inspection and Burial Operations, as well as, Cable Repair Operations. Substantial domestic and foreign travels including extended assignments at Shore End Landing sites or on-board cable laying vessels. Additionally, there is a shore side component to the role that involves project management capability, understanding of customer logistic processes, drafting technical specifications and method of procedures for all facets of Ocean Operations project work. Additionally, this role may require having direct reports and supervisory of company personnel responsibilities including setting goals and performing employee evaluations.
Responsibilities
  • Leads project specific planning including drafting/reviewing technical specifications and methods of procedure for cable loading, installation and repair activities.
  • In charge of customer furnished vessel mobilization and demobilization including loading and offloading of cable and electronics.
  • On board lead for all technical matters on cable installation and repair.
  • Supervises deck operations on board customer provided vessels including instructing the marine crew on various cable rigging required for successful mission execution.
  • Interface with customers on a frequent basis including leading pre-sail project reviews and post operational hot wash summaries.
  • Leads internal and external training of cable engineering functions including Makai, Winfrog, and general cable ship procedures.
  • Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable engineering, cable jointing, logistics, underwater vehicles, and acquisition.
  • May have supervisory responsibilities of company personnel including having direct reports.

Qualifications
  • College degree in Mechanical Engineering / Sciences is preferable. Cable engineering/operational experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Basic engineering, math and computer skills are required for this position.
  • Understanding of undersea cable mechanics and principles is required.
  • In depth knowledge of Makai Lay and Winfrog Navigational software is desirable.
  • Charting and mapping skills.
  • Must be willing to work in cable tanks, ISO containers, and in cable depot cable pans to assist with loading and offloading of customer cables and electronics.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Must pass a Fit for Duty physical and a certified STCW Basic Safety Training class
  • Must be able to travel a minimum of 50% of the time to and work at remote locations.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain DOD Secret clearance with ability to obtain a DOD Top Secret clearance.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee 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

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