Controls Engineer IV

Austal USA; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, is looking for an experienced engineer to lead the design and integration of automation systems on ships. This role requires critical analysis and problem-solving in highly complex environments.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years in automation and controls within the shipbuilding industry, along with a relevant engineering degree. The position may require travel for installation and commissioning tasks, offering a dynamic work atmosphere.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of automation and controls experience in the shipbuilding industry.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADAs provided.
• Ability to work in field environments domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert judgement and analysis for design and integration of automation systems.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues related to PLCs and control systems.
• Establish relationships with engineers, departments, and suppliers for project completion.

Skills

Automation and Controls Experience

Troubleshooting Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Office

AutoCAD

PLC Development Software

Job description

Reports To

Program Engineer & Department Project Engineer

Supervises

Engineers III, Engineers II, Engineers I, Designers and Draftspersons

Duties / Responsibilities

• Provides expert judgement and analysis for the design and integration of automation and control systems based on the ship’s mechanical and electrical design
• Troubleshoot and solve highly complex technical issues related to PLCs, Distributive Control Systems, and Automation Systems in a timely manner
• Communicate expertly researched resolutions to management
• Extensive engineering knowledge, considered an expert in controls and automation
• Responsible for complex system development, specification trace packages, detailed engineering reports and system drawings
• Check designs and drawings for accuracy and adherence to contract requirements
• Facilitate training, mentoring, and development of other engineers
• Establish relationships (liaise/coordinate) with other engineers, departments, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure projects are completed on time and to specifications
• Comply with Austal’s employee handbook, general guidelines, company procedures and policies

Qualifications / Knowledge / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 8+ years of automation and controls experience in the shipbuilding industry
• 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
• Design, installation and troubleshooting experience with communication protocols such as Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP, and Serial ASCII
• Ability to work in field environment domestically and internationally
• Strong troubleshooting skills and experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Understanding of scheduling and adherence to strict deadlines
• Experience in interacting with Production, multiple design teams from several companies, customer representatives and equipment manufacturers
• Preferred: Specific knowledge related to Siemens PCS7 or other integrated automation platform, Siemens SIMATIC variable speed drives, Windows Server Domain management including DNS, Active Directory, and Group Policy, advanced knowledge of ship and propulsion systems, strong working knowledge of Maritime Regulatory Authorities (ABS, DNV, GL, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, IMO, etc.), experience in construction of high speed aluminum vessels, experience in design and construction of US Navy vessels

Travel

Position requires installation and commissioning and repair efforts in various off‑site locations and requires travel to customer sites. Potential off‑site travel can be up to 25% and may include overseas travel, but no travel to declared war zones is anticipated.

Additional Guidelines

• All candidates must meet Austal USA’s basic employment eligibility guidelines
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of responsibilities
• 18 years of age or older at time of application
• Must 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

Tools

• MS Office, AutoCAD, PLC and HMI development environment software, process multimeter, and network analyzers

Direction Exercised

• Lead and direct the install and commissioning of controls systems on ships
• Lead and direct the work of Engineers I, II, Designers, and Draftspersons
• Determine technical adequacy of drawings, calculations, automation system designs, hardware configuration, and system programming

Discretion Exercised

• 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 employee may be exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high 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 is usually very loud, up to 90 dB.

Safety

Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks.

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability‑related application issues may contact us at 251‑445‑1932. 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 recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.