Mechanical Engineer IV

Austal USA•Mobile, AL

About The Position

Austal USA is hiring a Mechanical Engineer IV to provide expert engineering judgment and analysis for the design, development, and implementation of engineering products and procedures, shipboard systems, and overall ship designs. The role addresses highly complex technical issues, prepares and checks engineering calculations, specifications, reports, and drawings, and ensures designs meet contract requirements. The engineer brings expertise in at least one mechanical engineering specialty and supports the development of other engineers through training and mentoring. The position works independently with limited daily guidance and coordinates with engineers across disciplines, production personnel, design teams, customers, subcontractors, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and program management to deliver projects on schedule and to specification. It also leads and directs engineers, designers, and draftspersons, determines the technical adequacy of drawings and calculations, and may direct, evaluate, and correct their work. The role is based in a shipbuilding environment. Work may involve humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high and precarious places, outdoor weather, and extreme heat. Occasional exposures include fumes or airborne particles at or below the permissible exposure limit, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. Noise is usually very loud, above 90 dB. Employees must follow company and applicable federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules. Candidates must be at least 18, provide proof of U.S. Person status, submit to a drug screen and background check, and meet the stated felony-conviction guidelines. A DoD clearance may be required if needed for the position’s responsibilities.

Requirements

At least 8 years of relevant engineering experience in the shipbuilding industry, or at least 12 years of engineering experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field from an accredited university; the mechanical-engineer-specific requirements specify a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering degree.
Expert knowledge in at least one of the following: piping system design; HVAC design; ship and propulsion system design and operation; engine alignment and shaft design and alignment; mechanical analysis, including pressure loss, stress, thermal, hydrodynamic, and vibration; or outfitting and lightweight joiner construction.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability and willingness to train and mentor employees.
Ability to work independently with limited daily guidance and oversight.
Understanding of scheduling, ability to meet strict deadlines, and flexibility to prioritize concurrent tasks and projects.
Experience interacting with multiple engineering disciplines, production, design teams from multiple 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 literacy and familiarity with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.
At least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Ability to provide proof of U.S. Person status, defined in the posting as permanent resident or citizen.
Willingness to submit to a drug screen and background check.
Must meet the listed felony-conviction guidelines: no theft, deception, or violent-crime felony conviction within seven years of the disposition date and no drug-crime felony conviction within three years of the disposition date.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing and constructing U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and commercial vessels.
Advanced knowledge of maritime regulatory authorities and standards, such as ABS, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, and IMO.
Advanced knowledge of ship systems.
Advanced knowledge of modular shipbuilding manufacturing methods.

Responsibilities

Provide expert judgment and analysis for engineering product and procedure development and implementation, shipboard systems, and overall ship designs.
Troubleshoot complex technical issues and communicate researched resolutions to management.
Prepare complex system calculations, specification trace packages, detailed engineering reports, and system drawings.
Check designs and drawings for accuracy and adherence to contract requirements.
Train, mentor, and develop other engineers.
Coordinate with engineers, departments, subcontractors, and suppliers to complete projects on time and to specifications.
Lead and direct Engineers I, II, and III, designers, and draftspersons.
Determine the technical adequacy of drawings and calculations.
Provide input to evaluations and direct, evaluate, and correct the work of engineers, designers, and draftspersons.
Comply with company policies and procedures and applicable safety and environmental rules and regulations.