Automation Controls Specialist

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: Sr Dept Manager Electrical Engineering & 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, company procedures and policies. QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE: General: Minimum Ten (10) 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. 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 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. Austal USA is a ship manufacturer headquartered in Mobile, Ala., with service centers in San Diego and Singapore and a technology center in Charlottesville, Va. With the most modern steel panel line in the shipbuilding industry, Austal USA’s facility is capable of supporting the manufacture of both aluminum and steel ships. Austal USA leverages a moving module production line and strict adherence to lean manufacturing principles to consistently deliver on-schedule and on-budget. Austal USA is currently under contract for several programs, including the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), the TAGOS-25 ocean surveillance ships, the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), the Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue ships (T-ATS), the Expeditionary Medical Ship (EMS), the Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium (AFDM), and the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), and is supporting Navy unmanned vessel programs leveraging its advanced machinery control system. Austal USA’s service business provides global support to U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command and other customers. Austal USA’s San Diego Service Center includes a waterfront facility that will have the capability to drydock small combatants and similar sized ships. Earning 23 safety excellence awards, Austal USA continues to be one of the safest shipyards in America.