Job Description

Design Controls Engineer – Subsea Modules (Contract-to-Hire, 1 Year)

Location: S/W Houston (3 days in-office / 2 days remote)
Type: Contract-to-Hire (12-month contract, direct hire opportunity after completion)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Design Controls Engineer with substantial subsea experience to join our team in an innovative R&D capacity. This is a true design engineer role—not programming-focused—where you will help conceptualize and develop control systems for a completely new subsea mineral collection process.

The system involves modules that gather minerals from the seafloor and transfer them via a riser to drill ships. The collected data and controls must integrate seamlessly with the ship’s Dynamic Positioning systems. This is a unique opportunity for someone looking to work outside conventional design parameters and take ownership of a groundbreaking offshore project.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design of control systems for subsea modules, ensuring safe and reliable operations at extreme depths.

• Develop FBSO (Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading) or drill ship control concepts that integrate with dynamic positioning systems.

• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to conceptualize systems that monitor mass flow from the seafloor to drill ships.

• Ensure all designs comply with offshore safety standards and regulations.

• Provide technical guidance and design documentation for manufacturing and implementation.

• Work in a hybrid model: 3 days in-office (Stafford, TX) and 2 days remote.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing control systems for FBSO units, drill ships, or similar offshore vessels.

• Strong understanding of offshore safety systems and regulations.

• Background in subsea module systems, process monitoring, or related subsea operations.

• Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems.

• Comfortable taking ownership of a new, untested system from concept through design.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a small, agile team environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, or Marine Engineering (or related field).