Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Systems Engineer

Department: Engineering

Location: New Orleans, LA

Summary

The 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 Requirements

Reasonable 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. All Trident Maritime Systems employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  

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 Environment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment can vary.

Trident Maritime Systems is an EEO/AA employer that offers a comprehensive compensation package and opportunities for growth.

Offers of employment are contingent on and not considered finalized until the required background check and drug test has been performed and the results received and accessed.