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Cable Laying Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

$24.25 - $31.75/hr

... ship repair/industrial fabrication operations. The position is located onsite in Norfolk VA and ... laying-out and installing equipment and cabling. * Place conduit, pipes or tubing, inside ...

SAIC

Senior Network Engineer

Kittery, ME

$105K - $145K/yr

... and other multiple layers of network defense. * Coordinate and collaborate with the regional ... ship cable maintenance and repair activities at the PNSY [to] include Communication Security ...

Viasat, Inc.

Network Engineer, Early Career

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$93K - $139K/yr

Citizenship: ship required * Travel: Ability to travel up to 30-50% domestically and/or ... Understanding of Layer 1 and/or cabling (e.g., copper and fiber extensions, ISP handoffs, dark ...

SAIC

Senior Network Engineer

Kittery, ME · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

... and other multiple layers of network defense. * Coordinate and collaborate with the regional ... ship cable maintenance and repair activities at the PNSY [to] include Communication Security ...

Southwire Company LLC

Operator, Take Up III

Carrollton, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Layer wind cable to customer specified ship out length and reel. Properly utilize production order to meet all customer requirements. Operate per the applicable procedures. Change out reels of cable ...

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Cable Laying Ship information

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$22

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How much do cable laying ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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.

How do you get a job on a freighter ship?

To work as a cable laying ship crew member, you typically need relevant maritime certifications such as STCW, experience in marine or offshore work, and physical fitness. Applying through maritime recruitment agencies or shipping companies and demonstrating skills in navigation, safety procedures, and technical tasks are essential steps.

What companies lay undersea cables?

Companies that lay undersea cables include telecommunications firms, specialized marine contractors, and global infrastructure providers such as SubCom, Alcatel Submarine Networks, and NEC. These companies operate specialized cable-laying ships and employ skilled crews, including cable lay technicians and marine engineers, to install and maintain undersea communication and power cables across oceans and seas.

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 out tasks such as laying, burying, and repairing cables on the seabed, often using remotely operated vehicles and specialized equipment. The job requires technical skills, knowledge of marine environments, and adherence to safety protocols.

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:
What job categories do people searching Cable Laying Ship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cable Laying Ship jobs are:
Cable Laying Ship jobs near you
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.
Lead Mechanic Supervisor - Dock (Job ID: 1268)

Lead Mechanic Supervisor - Dock (Job ID: 1268)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Norfolk, VA

$27.75 - $36.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Lead Mechanic Supervisor- Dock
Purpose:
Colonna's Shipyard is seeking a Lead Mechanic Supervisor to to support docking operations at our shipyard in Norfolk, VA.
Position Summary:
Position will support management with training and assignment of semi-skilled and skilled trades personnel according to their ability, experience, and job knowledge in support and execution of production goals in ship repair/industrial fabrication operations.
The position is located onsite in Norfolk VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require occasional travel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities include:
  • Primary duty is to execute routine (and non-routine) production duties in support of operational goals and in compliance with Company procedures and policies.
  • Performs skilled tasking (relative to their assigned trade) in the maintenance, repair, installation/removal, new construction, etc. activities supporting ship repair/industrial fabrication operations.
  • Supports management to facilitate daily production activities of the team and helps ensure employees (assigned to their work crew) have all necessary tools, equipment, work procedures, etc. to work safely and efficiently.
  • May assist management with timekeeping validation, training, performance management, coaching/counselling, supervision, etc. for employees assigned to their work crews.
  • Breaks broader production requirements down to practical action plans to support safety, quality, cost, and schedule goals while providing constant monitoring of job sites.
  • Ensure compliance of OSHA, USCG, ABS, U.S. Navy and company safety requirements concerning work assignments
  • Prepare and install equipment or system alterations in accordance with the technical specifications.
  • Maintain and repair electrical and electro-mechanical systems of ferries, dredges, and all other marine vessels.
  • Read and interpret electrical schematics and blueprints, planning, laying-out and installing equipment and cabling.
  • Place conduit, pipes or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
  • Repair/Replace cables and connectors.
  • Utilizing their production knowledge, make recommendations to support Plan of the Day (POD) for their assigned projects and utilizing their assigned resources to efficiently achieve operational requirements of projects.
  • Evaluates job sites and work environments prior to work starting to ensure safe project set ups and efficient work evolutions.
  • Responsible for understanding and complying with all technical aspects of the job including adherence to all contract requirements, drawings, procedures/work instructions, etc.

Additionally, position will:
  • Review project specifications/SOWs and support creation of requisitions of all needed materials in accordance with contract requirements and associated references.
  • Generate and submits production reports to management (to include condition and surveillance reports, operational briefs, executed quality checks, etc.) meeting all technical/customer reporting requirements.
  • Support management in ensuring tools/resources are mobilized and demobilized from project appropriately, providing updates on damaged or lost equipment.
  • Initiates QA/Customer call out and attends/executes TIP inspections.
  • May serve as backup/makeup to supervisor, as needed.
  • Provides input to management and project teams to support schedule, progress, ETC/EAC updates for all projects assigned to them.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) or HS + 6 years related trade experience (in the trade to be supervised)
  • Ability to understand job specifications, drawings, and corresponding technical references.
  • Regular, reliable attendance

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:
  • Some previous supervisory/mentoring experience (such as make-up supervisor)

Travel Requirements:
  • Minimal Travel; 10% or less.

Security Requirements:
  • Position requires US Citizenship.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
  • Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
  • May ride ships at sea for extended periods
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
  • Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
  • Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
  • Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
  • Frequent use of respirator.
  • Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

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