Structural Engineering Lead in Mobile, AL at Austal

Austal USA is recognized for its advancements in naval ship design and construction, presenting distinctive opportunities for team members to participate in influential initiatives shaping the maritime sector now and in the future. With a heritage rooted in innovation, Austal USA has been instrumental in propelling naval technology forward through sophisticated design, engineering, and delivery of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) to the recently awarded Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), Expeditionary Medical Ship (EMS), and the T-AGOS ocean surveillance vessels. What sets Austal USA apart is our commitment to innovation and our dedication to building the best ships for the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. We actively cultivate a culture fueled by intellectual curiosity and diverse perspectives, where every team member is integral to delivering cutting-edge solutions.

REPORTS TO:  Chief Department Engineer & Project Department Engineer

SUPERVISES:  All levels of Engineers, Designers, Drafters, Field Engineers and Admins within the Engineering department

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for design calculations and drawing development as assigned by the Chief Department Engineer or a Department Engineer III

• Responsible for quality performance of staff, inclusive of ensuring correctness of subordinate calculations.

• Provide technical direction to staff.

• Serve as technical expert to troubleshoot issues within area of responsibility.

• Provide oversight of cost and schedule performance.

• Plan and prioritize work load to achieve objectives.

• Provide work direction and establish performance standards for employees assigned. 

• Drive continuous improvements in safety, quality, process improvement and procedures.

• Delivers constructive feedback to employees and provides input into performance management process that may affect employment actions. 

• Reviews and approves employees’ schedules, including managing and approving vacation time to ensure that sufficient resources are available to meet work requirements. 

• Reviews and approves employees’ training; provides input to department budget for subordinate training needs.

• Complies with Austal’s employee handbook general guidelines, company

            procedures and policies.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

• General Required:

  • 5 to 7 years of shipyard design and construction experience or equivalent experience.  Candidates with equivalent experience as a Cognizant Engineer over one or more systems may also be considered.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Understanding of scheduling and work packaging policies.

  • Ability to adhere to strict deadlines

  • Experienced in interacting with Production, multiple design teams from several companies, customer representatives and equipment manufacturers.

  • Computer literate and familiar with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office products.

  • Experience in the construction of high speed aluminum vessels.

  • Working knowledge of modular construction methods.

  • Working knowledge of ship and propulsion systems.

  • Working knowledge of vessel structural design

  • Working knowledge of Maritime Regulatory Authorities (i.e. ABS, DNV, GL, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, IMO, etc.)

General Preferred:

• Working knowledge in design and construction of US Navy vessels.

• Working knowledge of shock design.

Naval Architect:

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Naval Architecture

• Working knowledge of vessel trim & stability calculations

• Working knowledge of FEA methods preferred.

Structural Engineer:

• Successful completion of Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

All candidates must meet Austal USA’s basic employment eligibility guidelines:

• The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of your position responsibilities.

• 18 years of age or older at time of application

• Able to provide proof of US Person Status

• No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date

• No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date

• Willing to submit to a drug screen

• Willing to submit to a background check

• Computer – MS Office, AutoCAD

DIRECTION EXERCISED:

• May lead and direct the work of Engineers, Designers, Draftspersons and Admins
• May determine technical adequacy of drawings and calculations

DISCRETION EXERCISED:

• May provide input to evaluations of Engineers, Designers, Draftspersons and Admins

LIAISES WITH:  Engineers, Production Personnel, Customer, Regulatory Bodies, Program Management and Equipment Suppliers

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit.

Specific physical requirements include the following:

1. Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel.

2. Perform prolonged standing.

3. Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis.

4. Ability to turn body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis.

5. Lift/push/pull 50lbs to 75lbs on an occasional basis.

6. Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis.

7. Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps).

8. Ability to work at heights above 12’ while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts.

9. Able to work at a variety of levels (ex. waist, eye, overhead).

10. Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment.

11. Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles.

12. Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment.

13. Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steeltoed shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards.

14. Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures.

15. Ability to enter 18” x 36” openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time.

16. Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands.

17. Able to utilize adequate visual skills.

18. Ability to fully extend the arm while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side and reaching down.

19. Ability to perceive attributes of an object/material such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in the hands and fingers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat.  The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold.  The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud, + 90 dB.

SAFETY

Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks. 

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.

Austal’s commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.