Controls Automation Specialist

Austal Usa, LLC; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal USA is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to lead the configuration, programming, and integration of automated shipboard systems. You will oversee PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, sensors, actuators, and field devices, coordinating with Engineers and Designers to ensure smooth commissioning and testing of controls on naval vessels.

The role requires extensive field work both domestically and internationally, with a focus on safety, quality, and on-time delivery in a high‑pressure marine

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years automation and controls experience.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADAs.
• Experience in Windows Server environments.
• Config/commissioning of sensors, switches, actuators, VFDs and field devices.
• Programming and troubleshooting with Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP, Serial ASCII.

Responsibilities

• Lead install and commissioning of shipboard control systems.
• Program and direct Engineers I & II and Designers.
• Develop system documentation per contract requirements.
• Support commissioning and testing of automation equipment.
• Coordinate with production, design teams, customer reps, and equipment suppliers.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

SCADA

Windows Server

Sensors and actuators

Field devices wiring

Communication protocols

Troubleshooting

Tools

AutoCAD

PLC/SCADA software

Job description

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:

Chief Electrical Engineer & Department Project Engineer

SUPERVISES:

• Engineer II
• Engineer I
• Designers and Draftspersons

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the configuration and programming of automation and control equipment including but not limited to PLCs and HMIs
• Integration of the automation and control systems based on the ships mechanical and electrical design.
• Responsible for programming performed by Engineers I and Engineers II.
• Responsible for supporting the commissioning and testing of automation and control equipment.
• Makes recommendations that will improve efficiency or quality of operations.
• Develop system specific documentation based on contract requirements.
• Complies with Austal's employee handbook general guidelines, companyprocedures and policies.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

• General: Minimum Fifteen (15) years of automation and controls experience.
• 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.
• Programming, 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
  • Working knowledge of ship and propulsion systems
  • 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
  • Knowledge in design and construction of US Navy vessels

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

Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:

• 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

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 15-25%. This will include overseas travel although NO TRAVEL to declared warzones is anticipated.

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 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.

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 shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. 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.