Controls Engineer I

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:  Program Engineer & Project Department Engineer

SUPERVISES:  N/A

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• Responsible for the design, configuration, and programming of automation and control equipment including but not limited to PLCs and HMIs.

• Responsible for supporting the commissioning and testing of automation and control equipment.

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

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

• General:

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree (At time of hire).

• Zero (0) to Two (2) years of automation and controls experience.

• Experience or coursework with PLCs and HMIs.

• Experience or coursework with the Windows Server environment.

• Ability to work in the field environment domestically and internationally.

• Strong troubleshooting skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

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

• Ability to interact with production, multiple design teams from several companies, customer representatives and equipment manufacturers.

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

• Preferred:

• •Specific knowledge related to the following:

  • Siemens PCS7 or other integrated automation platform

  • Siemens SIMATIC variable speed drives

  • Windows Server Domain management including DNS, Active Directory, and Group Policy

• Experience in the construction of high speed aluminum vessels

•  Knowledge in design and construction of US Navy vessels

• Knowledge of ship and propulsion systems desired

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

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

TRAVEL:

• This position will require install and commissioning and repair efforts in various offsite locations and will be required to travel to customer sites to support work on vessels if deemed necessary in the scope of your position responsibilities. The potential for offsite travel can potentially upwards of 15-25%. This will include overseas travel although NO TRAVEL to declared warzones is anticipated.

TOOLS:

• Computer – MS Office, AutoCAD

DIRECTION EXERCISED:

• May determine technical adequacy of drawings and calculations

DISCRETION EXERCISED:  N/A

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.