Controls Engineer IV

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 & Department Project Engineer

SUPERVISES:  Engineer III, Engineer II, Engineer I, Designers and Draftspersons

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides expert judgement and analysis for the in the design and integration of the automation and control systems based on the ships mechanical and electrical design

• Able to troubleshoot and solve highly complex technical issues related to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributive Control Systems, and Automation Systems in a timely manner

• Able to communicate expertly researched resolutions to management

• Extensive engineering knowledge and is considered an expert in the controls and automation field

• Responsible for complex system development, specification trace packages, detailed engineering reports and system drawings

• Responsible for checking designs and drawings for accuracy and adherence to contract requirements

• Facilitates training, mentoring, and developing other engineers

• Able to establish relationships (liaise/coordinate) 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.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

General:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree.

• 8+ years of automation and controls experience in the shipbuilding industry.

• Configuration, programming, installation, and test experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADAs.

• Experience with the Windows Server environment.

• Configuration and commissioning experience with sensors, switches, valve actuators, variable speed drives, and other field devices.

• Design, installation and troubleshooting experience with communication protocols such as Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP, and Serial ASCII.

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

• Strong troubleshooting skills and experience.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• 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.

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

• Advanced knowledge of ship and propulsion systems

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

• Experience in the construction of high speed aluminum vessels

• Experience in design and construction of US Navy vessels

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 25%. This will include overseas travel although NO TRAVEL to declared warzones is anticipated.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

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

• The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security 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

TOOLS:

• Computer – MS Office, AutoCAD, PLC and HMI development environment software

• Process multimeter and network analyzers

DIRECTION EXERCISED:

• Will lead and direct the install and commissioning of controls systems on ships

• Will lead and direct the work of Engineers I, II, Designers and Draftspersons

• Will determine technical adequacy of drawings, calculations, automation system designs, hardware configuration, and system programming.

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 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.