Naval Architect III 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:  Engineer II, Engineer I, Designers and Draftspersons

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for complex design calculations and drawing development for the construction, maintenance, and repair of maritime vessels and shipboard systems including structural, propulsion, electrical, and hydraulic mechanics.

• Ensuring vessel design is in compliance with relevant regulatory authorities, specifications and customer requirements.

• Responsible for the technical management of design and analyses projects from concept to completion.

• Reviews drawings for compliance, accuracy and ease of production.

• Liaise with production and provide technical support during construction.

• Directs engineers, designers and drafters, engineering consultants, and/or vendors in the development of vessel design information.

• Works with production and project teams to successfully implement vessel and vessel component designs.

• Facilitates training, mentoring, and developing other engineers.

• Provides work leadership and direction to other engineers.

• Complies with Austal’s employee handbook general guidelines, company procedures and policies.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

• General:

  • 5 to 8 years of relevant engineering experience in the manufacturing, construction (or similar) industry, shipbuilding industry strongly preferred

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Possesses strong leadership skills, Ability to help grow company culture

  • Understanding of scheduling and an ability to adhere to strict deadlines

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

  • Proficient in the use of AutoCAD, and MS Office products

• Preferred:

  • Experienced in Steel and Aluminum Ship Construction

  • Knowledge and application of modular construction methods

  • Strong working knowledge of Maritime Regulatory Authorities (i.e. ABS, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, IMO, etc.)

  • Demonstrated experience in the design and construction of US Navy vessels

  • Strong working knowledge of shock design 

  • Strong working knowledge of FEA methods, experience with FEMAP / NASTRAN a plus

  • Strong working knowledge of composite shafting

Naval Architect Specific Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Naval Architecture or related engineering degree

• Thorough knowledge of vessel structural and hull form design

• Thorough knowledge of vessel trim, stability, and hydrostatic calculations

• Thorough knowledge of vessel resistance and powering calculations, seakeeping analysis, weight control

• Experience with model tank testing is a plus

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.

• Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:

• 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

TOOLS: Computer – MS Office, AutoCAD

DIRECTION EXERCISED:

• Will lead and direct the work of Engineers I, II, Designers and Draftspersons
• Will determine technical adequacy of drawings and calculations

DISCRETION EXERCISED:

• Will provide input to evaluations of Engineers I, II, Designers and Draftspersons

• Has authority to direct, evaluate and correct the work of Engineers I, II, Designers and Draftspersons

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

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an    employee encounters 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 regularly 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.