Mechanical Engineer IV

About the role

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), Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), Expeditionary Medical Ship (EMS), and T-AGOS ocean surveillance vessels. The company is committed to innovation and building the best ships for the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard, cultivating a culture fueled by intellectual curiosity and diverse perspectives.

Reports to: Chief Department Engineer or Engineering Lead. Supervises: Engineer III, Engineer II, Engineer I.

Responsibilities

• Provides expert judgement and analysis for the design, development, and implementation of engineering products/procedures, shipboard systems, and overall ship designs
• Troubleshoots and solves highly complex technical issues in a timely manner and communicates expertly researched resolutions to management
• Applies extensive engineering knowledge as an expert in one or more engineering specialties
• Performs complex system calculations, specification trace packages, detailed engineering reports, and system drawings
• Checks designs and drawings for accuracy and adherence to contract requirements
• Facilitates training, mentoring, and developing other engineers
• Establishes relationships (liaises/coordinates) with other engineers, departments, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure projects are completed on time and to specifications
• Complies with Austal’s employee handbook general guidelines, company procedures, and policies
• Leads and directs the work of Engineers I, II, III, Designers, and Draftspersons
• Determines technical adequacy of drawings and calculations
• Provides input to evaluations of Engineers I, II, III, Designers, and Draftspersons
• Has authority to direct, evaluate, and correct the work of Engineers I, II, III, Designers, and Draftspersons
• Liaises with Engineers, Production Personnel, Customer, Regulatory Bodies, Program Management, and Equipment Suppliers

Qualifications

General qualifications:

• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in the shipbuilding industry, or 12+ years engineering experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited university
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong leadership skills with ability to help grow company culture
• Strong interpersonal skills with willingness and ability to train and mentor employees
• Ability to work independently with limited daily guidance and oversight
• Understanding of scheduling and ability to adhere to strict deadlines
• Flexible with prioritizing tasks and able to work concurrent tasks and projects
• Experienced in interacting with multiple engineering disciplines, Production, design teams from several companies, customer representatives, and equipment manufacturers
• Experience reviewing contract requirements and performing detailed specification traces
• Experience developing technical trade-off studies and engineering cost analyses
• Computer literate and familiar with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office products

Preferred qualifications:

• Experienced in the design and construction of US Navy, Coast Guard, and Commercial vessels
• Advanced knowledge of Maritime Regulatory Authorities (ABS, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, IMO, etc.)
• Advanced knowledge of ship systems
• Advanced knowledge of modular shipbuilding manufacturing methods

Mechanical Engineer specific requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering degree
• Expert knowledge in one of the following areas:
  • Piping system design
  • HVAC design
  • Ship and propulsion system design and operation
  • Engine alignment and shaft design and alignment
  • Mechanical analysis (pressure loss, stress, thermal, hydrodynamic, and vibration)
  • Outfitting and lightweight joiner construction

Additional employment eligibility guidelines:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary for position responsibilities
• 18 years or older at time of application
• Able to provide proof of US Person status (permanent resident or citizen)
• 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

Work environment

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Safety

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