Integrated Operations Associate

Austal • Mobile, AL

20h • Onsite

About The Position

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. Associates gain a comprehensive understanding of how ships are designed, built, resourced, scheduled, and delivered. The program also includes professional development workshops, and ongoing coaching to support continuous growth. Upon completion, associates are placed into roles aligned with their strengths, qualifications, and business needs, providing a clear path for long-term career progression.

Requirements

• 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
• 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.
• Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.
• 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.
• Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• Complete structured rotations which may include but are not limited to Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Production Control, Business Development and Surface Programs, gaining firsthand experience in critical shipbuilding processes.
• Support project work and continuous improvement initiatives related to production flow, engineering efficiency, material availability, and program execution.
• Analyze operational, technical, marketing/business development, and supply chain data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including design engineering, planning, procurement, production, and program management—to learn workflows, contribute to team objectives, and support deliverables.
• Participate in professional development activities, including workshops, technical training, and mentorship programs to build foundational knowledge and skills.
• Document learnings and progress throughout each rotation and present outcomes at program milestones.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees