Mechanical Design Lead-Pipe

Austal Usa, LLC; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal USA is seeking a senior Design Lead to manage shipyard design and 3D modeling efforts. You will supervise Designers and Draftspersons, ensuring timely delivery of drawings and adherence to customer specifications across cross‑functional teams.

The role requires extensive experience in ship design, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage schedules and training. US citizenship and security clearances may be required for project work.

Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of shipyard design and construction experience.
• Ten (10) years of 3D modeling experience; or equivalent related maritime/production experience.
• One (1) - Three (3) years' experience leading design teams of five or more persons.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Understanding of work scheduling processes and ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
• US Citizenship / work authorization is required.

Responsibilities

• Leads and directs the work of Designers I, II, III, IV and Draftspersons to meet department deadlines.
• Responsible for drawing development as assigned by the Chief Department Engineer, Project Department Manager or Department Engineer III.
• Works with Production Management and cross‑functional design teams internal and external to the company.
• Reviews technical adequacy of drawings and provides direction for corrections to meet customer requirements.
• Establishes policies with relation to design concepts and procedures.
• Trains Designers I–IV and Draftspersons according to established standards and procedures.
• Reviews and approves employees' schedules and training; provides input into department budget.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Scheduling

Team coordination

Education

AA Degree in CAD

Tools

AutoCAD

Ship Constructor

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 Department Engineer, Project Department Manager or Department Engineer III, or Project Engineer

SUPERVISES:

Designer I, II, III, IV and Draftspersons

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for drawing development as assigned by the Chief Department Engineer, Project Department Manager or Department Engineer III
• Leads and directs the work of Designers I, II, III, IV and Draftspersons to meet department deadlines.
• Works with Production Management, cross‑functional design teams internal and external to the company, including business partner representatives, customer representatives and equipment manufacturers.
• Reviews technical adequacy of drawings and provides direction as to corrections or adjustments to meet customer requirements.
• Establishes policies with relation to design concepts and procedures.
• Trains Designers I, II, III, IV and Draftspersons according to established standards and procedures.
• Responsible to supply constructive feedback to employees and provide input into performance management that may affect employment actions.
• Responsible to review and approve employees' schedules, including managing and approving vacation time to ensure that sufficient resources are available to meet work requirements.
• Responsible to review and approve employees' training. Provides input to department budget for subordinate training needs.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

• General Required: Ten (10) years of shipyard design and construction experience; Ten (10) years of 3D modeling experience; or equivalent related maritime/production experience
• One (1) - Three (3) years' experience leading design teams of five or more persons
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Understanding of work scheduling processes and ability to adhere to strict deadlines
• Ability to interact positively with Production managers, multiple design teams from several companies, customer representatives and equipment manufacturers.
• Strong knowledge of AutoCAD, Ship Constructor or other 3D modeling software
• Computer literate with Microsoft Office software
• Possess a thorough understanding of vessel design, in any or all of the following areas: structure, HVAC, mechanical systems, wire ways or fitout
• Preferred: AA Degree in CAD.
• Experience in the construction of high speed aluminum vessels
• Knowledge of modular construction methods
• Knowledge in design and construction of US Navy vessels
• US Citizenship / work authorization is required.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

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 applicationAble to provide proof of US Person StatusNo felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition dateNo felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition dateWilling to submit to a drug screenWilling to submit to a background check

TOOLS:

Computer - MS Office, AutoCAD 2006 or later, ShipConstructor 08

DIRECTION EXERCISED:

Sets schedule of work for Designers I, II, III, IV and Draftspersons. Has authority to provide work direction and establish performance standards for employees assigned. Prioritizes jobs based on experience and as assigned by the Chief Department Engineer, Project Department Manager or Department Engineer III.

DISCRETION EXERCISED:

Has responsibility to supply constructive feedback to employees and provides input for performance that may affect employment actions.

LIAISES WITH:

Engineers, Designers, Drafters, Production Personnel, Customer, 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.

Equal Employment Commitment

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 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 or 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.