Mechanical Engineer IV

Austal•Mobile, AL

About The Position

Austal USA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer IV to contribute to naval ship design and construction. The role provides expert engineering judgment and analysis for the design, development, and implementation of engineering products and procedures, shipboard systems, and overall ship designs. The engineer is expected to resolve highly complex technical issues, prepare and review engineering deliverables, and apply expertise in at least one mechanical engineering specialty. The position leads, directs, mentors, and evaluates engineers, designers, and draftspersons. It works independently with limited daily guidance and coordinates with engineering disciplines, production personnel, customers, regulatory bodies, program management, subcontractors, and equipment suppliers to ensure work meets schedules and specifications. The role reports to the Chief Department Engineer or Engineering Lead and supervises Engineer III, Engineer II, and Engineer I. The employee must follow company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules. The work environment may involve humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outdoor weather, and extreme heat. Occasional exposure may include fumes or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. Noise is usually very loud, over 90 dB. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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.
For the mechanical engineering specialty, a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering degree.
Expert knowledge in at least 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); or outfitting and lightweight joiner construction.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong leadership skills and ability to help grow company culture.
Strong interpersonal skills and willingness and ability to train and mentor employees.
Ability to work independently with limited daily guidance and oversight.
Understanding of scheduling and ability to meet strict deadlines.
Flexibility in prioritizing tasks and managing concurrent tasks and projects.
Experience 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 literacy and familiarity with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance if required by the position’s responsibilities.
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and able to provide proof of U.S. Person status (permanent resident or citizen).
Must meet the stated criminal conviction eligibility guidelines: no felony convictions for theft, deception, or violent crimes within seven years of disposition, and no felony convictions for drug crimes within three years of disposition.
Must be willing to submit to a drug screen and background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the design and construction of 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 the design, development, and implementation of engineering products and procedures, shipboard systems, and overall ship designs.
Troubleshoot and solve highly complex technical issues promptly, 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 ensure projects are completed on time and to specifications.
Lead and direct the work of 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 I, II, and III, designers, and draftspersons.
Comply with company procedures and policies, employee handbook guidelines, and applicable company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules.