• Manufacturing Automation Engineer - AAT

    Austal USA (Charlottesville, VA)


    REPORTS TO: Senior Department Manager - Engineering - AAT

    SUPERVISES: N/A

    Austal USA Advanced Technologies (AT) is a division of Austal USA, a global defense prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defense and commercial ships.

     

    Austal USA AT works at the forefront to invent, mature, and implement advanced maritime technologies which enhance operational capacities and improve readiness of our defense systems. Austal USA AT operates a technology hub in Charlottesville VA which works to bring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to scale and also oversees operation of the U.S. Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM COE) located in Danville, VA. The mission of the AM COE is to operationalize additive manufacturing in the submarine industrial base and provide emergent request support to sustain our Nation's fleet.

    AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

    + Requires a strong background in automation technologies, robotics, and control systems, with a focus on improving efficiency, quality, and safety in a fast-paced production environment.

    + Design, develop, and implement automated systems and robotic solutions for manufacturing processes.

    + Program and configure PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and SCADA systems.

    + Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate automation systems with existing production equipment.

    + Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed automation projects.

    + Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for automated equipment.

    + Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality control measures.

    + Analyze production data to identify opportunities for process improvements and automation enhancements.

    + Provide technical support and training to production staff on automated systems.

    + Stay updated on emerging automation technologies and industry trends to drive continuous improvement.

    QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

    + Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.

    + 3+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, robotics, or control systems engineering.

    + Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA systems.

    + Experience with robotic systems (e.g., FANUC, ABB, or Universal Robots) and vision systems.

    + Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, EtherNet/IP).

    + Familiarity with CAD software for designing automation layouts (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Siemens NX).

     

    LIAISES WITH: Engineers, Production Personnel, Logistics, Regulatory Bodies, Program Management and Equipment Suppliers

    ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

    All candidates must meet Austal USA's basic employment eligibility guidelines:

    + 18 years 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.

    + Must be able to obtain and maintain required Security Clearance.

    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.

    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'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.