General DoD Skillbridge Application

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Austal USA is proud to support our nation’s service members by offering a Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Internship Program. This program provides a unique opportunity for transitioning active-duty military personnel to gain valuable civilian work experience in the shipbuilding and maritime defense industry before separation.

Through this hands-on training opportunity, SkillBridge participants at Austal USA are immersed in real-world projects supporting the construction of advanced naval vessels such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), TAGOS-25, and the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC).

General Application & Placement

This posting serves as the general SkillBridge application for Austal USA. All applicants will be screened and evaluated to determine the best fit based on their:

• Military background and transferable skills
• Career interests and goals
• Internship duration availability
• Current openings and training opportunities within Austal USA

Candidates will be placed into an internship opportunity that aligns with their background and the company's program availability.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Austal USA SkillBridge Program, candidates must:

• Be active-duty service members within 12 months of approved separation or retirement
• Obtain command approval to participate in a DoD SkillBridge internship
• Be available for the following minimum internship durations:
  • 90–120 days for Skilled Trades Programs (e.g., Welding, Fitting, Electrical)
  • 60–90 days for Project Coordinator and Administrative Tracks (E-7 and above preferred)

Available Internship Areas

SkillBridge participants may be placed in roles aligned with their military experience and career interests, including but not limited to:

• Structural Fitting & Welding
• Electrical & Pipe Trades
• Crane Operation & Heavy Equipment
• Project Coordination
• Quality Assurance
• Information Technology
• Supply Chain & Logistics
• Human Resources & Administrative Support
• Engineering Support (Mechanical, Electrical, Structural)

Program Highlights:
Real-world, hands-on training in a high-tech shipbuilding environment
Full-time internship aligned with your military background or civilian career goals
Mentorship from experienced professionals, many of whom are veterans
Opportunity for full-time employment upon successful completion
Supportive, veteran-friendly culture with growth potential

Why Austal USA?
Located in Mobile, Alabama, Austal USA is a leader in naval ship construction and defense innovation. We pride ourselves on building next-generation vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard while fostering a workforce that values discipline, teamwork, and technical excellence.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

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

• 18 years 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

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 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.