Controls Engineer II

Austal USA; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama is seeking a skilled automation engineer responsible for checking drawings and programming while supporting the design and commissioning of control equipment. The candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 2-5 years of related experience to qualify.

The role involves extensive problem-solving abilities and strong communication skills, as well as the potential for travel. This position exemplifies collaboration across teams including regulatory bodies and production personnel.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related degree.
• Two to five years of automation and controls experience required.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADAs.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for checking drawings, configuration, and programming.
• Design, configuration, and programming of automation and control equipment.
• Support the commissioning and testing of automation and control equipment.

Skills

Automation and controls experience

Strong troubleshooting skills

Excellent communication skills

Computer literacy and familiarity with AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

PLC and HMI development environment software

Job description

Duties / Responsibilities

• Responsible for checking drawings, configuration, and programming performed by Engineers I.
• Responsible for design calculations and drawing development as assigned by the Program Engineer or a Department Engineer III.
• Responsible for the design, configuration, and programming of automation and control equipment including PLCs and HMIs.
• Responsible for supporting the commissioning and testing of automation and control equipment.

Qualifications / Knowledge / Experience

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree (at time of hire).
• Two (2) to five (5) years of automation and controls experience.
• Configuration, programming, installation, and test experience with PLCs, HMIs and SCADAs.
• Detailed knowledge of Automation and IT networks.
• Experience with the Windows Server environment.
• Configuration and commissioning experience with sensors, switches, valve actuators, variable speed drives, and other field devices.
• Design, installation and troubleshooting experience with communication protocols including 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.
• Computer literate and familiar with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office products.

Preferred Skills

• Specific knowledge related to Siemens PCS7 or other integrated automation platforms.
• 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 (e.g., ABS, DNV, GL, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, IMO).
• Experience in the construction of high‑speed aluminum vessels.
• Knowledge in design and construction of U.S. Navy vessels.

Eligibility Guidelines

• The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of this position.
• 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Able to provide proof of U.S. 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 installation, commissioning, and repair efforts in various off‑site locations and will be required to travel to customer sites to support work on vessels if deemed necessary in the scope of this position. Potential off‑site travel may approach 15–25% and will include overseas travel, although travel to declared war zones is not anticipated.

Tools

• Computer – MS Office, AutoCAD, PLC and HMI development environment software.
• Process multimeter and network analyzers.

Direction Exercised

• May lead and direct the work of Engineers I, Designers and Draftspersons.
• May determine technical adequacy of drawings, calculations, hardware configuration, and system programming.

Liaisons With

• Engineers, Production Personnel, Customers, Regulatory Bodies, Program Management and Equipment Suppliers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For assistance, please contact 251‑445‑1932. Austal is an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination.