Integrated Operations Associate

Purpose

The Professional Development Program (PDP) is an accelerated career development pathway designed for early-career professionals interested in technical and operational leadership roles. This program provides immersive exposure to Austal USA’s core shipbuilding functions which may include but are not limited to—Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Production Control, Business Development, and Surface Programs—through structured rotations, hands-on project work, and personalized mentorship from experienced leaders.

Qualifications / Knowledge / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, Marketing/Business Development or a related technical/business field
• Demonstrated leadership potential through internships, campus involvement, or other relevant experience
• Self-starter with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, production-driven environment
• Strong curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset
• Willingness to rotate across departments and work areas as needed
• Internship or Co-op experience in manufacturing, engineering, shipbuilding, or a technical/industrial environment preferred
• Familiarity with project management, data analysis tools, ERP/MRP systems, or process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) preferred
• Able to adapt quickly to new environments, systems, and processes as rotations change
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, take initiative, and develop a strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

Additional Guidelines

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

• DIRECTION EXERCISED: Receives structured direction, training, and regular feedback from rotation supervisors and program mentors
• DISCRETION EXERCISED: Works under close guidance with limited discretion. Applies basic judgment in completing assigned tasks and escalating questions or issues to supervisors or mentors
• Liaises With Austal Program Management, Engineering Operations, Production Control, Supply Chain Management, Business Development, Human Resources, Finance, and other functional departments as appropriate and necessary from time to time

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform 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 is regularly 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 Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel. Perform prolonged standing. Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis. Lift/push/pull 50lbs – 75lbs on an occasional basis. Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis. Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps). Ability to work at heights above 12 feet while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts. Able to work at a variety of levels (example: waist-level, eye-level, overhead). Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment. Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles. Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards. Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures. Ability to enter 18” x 36” openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time. Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands. Able to utilize adequate visual skills. Ability to fully extend the arm while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side and reaching down. 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 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 is regularly exposed to humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat and cold.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

Safety

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

Equal Employment Commitment

• 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.