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Cable Laying Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Cable Ships, Cable Depots, Procurement, Contracting, and External Contractors and Suppliers ... cable laying vessels, including Orange-listed countries and select Red-listed countries may be ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Mechanical 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cable Splicing Supervisor (6253)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $27/hr

Familiarity with procedures for loading, laying, testing, and cable transfers between ships and depots required. * Familiar with ISO certification process and following appropriate procedures to ...

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Cable Laying Ship information

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$15

$22

$30

How much do cable laying ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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 significantly more than other crew members.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Cable Laying Ship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,182 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Shore End Cable Engineer (4542)

SubCom

Portsmouth, NH

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


SubCom rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

341st of 352 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 Shore End and Terrestrial Cable Engineer is responsible for the planning, engineering, and installation of the shore end and terrestrial land cable in support of SubCom' s undersea cable system implementations. Reporting to the Senior Manager - Shore Ends & Terrestrial Cable Installation. This position is an integral part of SubCom' s Marine Services department.
Activities include planning, engineering and implementation of shore end installations and burial, pre-laid shore end cable vessel loading, near shore route clearance, post lay inspection burial operations, terrestrial cable installation, HDD operations, cable splicing, ocean ground bed installation, testing as well as subcontractor evaluation, selection, and oversight and related documentation for all activities.
Responsibilities
  • The position is expected to perform as well as supervise activities associated with the installation and construction of submarine cable systems and associated land cable routes. Activities include the engineering and implementation of Shore End Installations, Pre-laid Shore End Cable Vessel Loading, Near Shore Route Clearance, Pre and Post Lay Inspection Burial Operations, Terrestrial Cable Installation, Cable Splicing, Ocean Ground Bed Installation, Testing Operations as well as subcontractor evaluation, selection, and oversight / management.
  • Interfaces with most operational groups within SubCom, Project Management, Project Coordination, R&D, Cable Factory, Maintenance, Cable Ships, Cable Depots, Procurement, Contracting, and External Contractors and Suppliers.
  • Direct responsibility for performing the engineering, planning, hands-on on cable jointing and testing as well as on-site supervision for shore end and terrestrial cable installation anywhere in the world.
  • Conduct site surveys and produce the survey report, detailed statements of work and method of procedures, bills of material, requests for quotes/information, etc.
  • The Shore End Engineer must be a "team player" and easily get along with others in order to be successful in this role.
  • Frequent customer interface. This is a particularly important aspect of the job, as many times the Shore End Engineer will be the only SubCom representative on the site in a foreign country. The Shore End Engineer will need to favorably shape a customer's opinion of SubCom as a company and a supplier. As such, the Shore End Engineer must be very adept at personally interacting with our international customers in a very positive and non-confrontational manner.
  • Substantial foreign and domestic travel including extended assignments at Shore End Landing sites or on-board cable laying vessels, including Orange-listed countries and select Red-listed countries may be required. While travel will be based on business needs, the Shore End Engineer will be expected to travel 20-50% of the time. Emergency travel may also be required to support repairs on a 24/7 basis..
  • Functions independently with minimal guidance in performing complex technical work

Qualifications
  • BS degree in Mechanical, Civil Engineering or Construction Management is desired.
  • Other engineering degrees, telecommunications, outside plant, and construction planning, business, engineering and installation experience would also be considered.
  • Knowledge of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) regulations and adherence.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills are a must, due to the high degree of customer interaction required.
  • Ability to produce written documentation including RFI/ RFP's, methods of procedures, operational narratives, status reports, etc is a critical aspect of the position.
  • Ability to work under pressured deadlines while remaining positive and flexible. Must possess a positive, "can do" attitude, strong work ethic, and have a continuous improvement attitude.
  • The ability to function autonomously and to make timely, effective decisions.
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to details, and ability to multi-task.
  • A high level of PC proficiency is also a key requirement. Must be able to effectively use the Microsoft Office software line, such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook and produce diagrams and various digital presentation type documentation.
  • AutoCAD and MS Project experience is highly preferred.
  • Ability to pass Fit for Duty medical exam
  • Ability to pass SubCom' s cable splicing and jointing qualification training class is a requirement for employment. Basic use of tools and ability to learn splicing and cable testing skills is required, including OTDR and Insulation testing.
  • Basic engineering, math, and computer skills.

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