Welding Process Engineer at Austal USA

REPORTS TO: Operations Manager

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:

The purpose of the Welding Process Engineer for Additive Manufacturing (AM) is to develop AM weld procedures that maximize first time quality and maximize quality at the source, inclusive of the following responsibilities:

• Selection of welding methods, development of welding parameters and qualifications.
• Leads robotic and automated welding operation productively and safely.
• Ensures that all equipment and tools are operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
• Develops lean manufacturing processes and push for continuous process improvement in AM.
• Preparation, review, approval and release of written welding procedures in accordance with specifications and weld procedure qualifications.
• Carry out the qualification of AM and supporting equipment and processes to NAVSEA Technical Publications and MIL-STDs.
• Preparation of customer submittals to transmit information and plans, gain approvals, and authorize repairs when required.
• Support for shop floor operations, including preparations for upcoming work, troubleshooting of welding issues and resolution, and generation of process improvement ideas.
• Process efficiency studies to reduce schedule and cost.
• Qualification, documentation, and maintenance of welding procedures.
• Identification, design/procurement, and implementation of welding equipment and/or tool needs.
• Review of quote packages in support of estimates for qualification manufacturing feasibility, and technical input as needed.
• Develop and implement work instructions for part fit-up, tack, weld, and repair requirements.
• Recommend design changes to improve quality, reliability, and productivity of welding processes.
• Develop and implement documents and procedures for validation of welding equipment and processes to meet or exceed customer specifications.
• Evaluates new equipment, techniques and materials in welding field for possible application to Austal USA process.
• Responsible for weld sequencing to control distortion.
• Work with Accuracy Control to collect data to predict shrinkage in both ferrous and nonferrous metals.
• Provide technical subject matter expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering or Welding Engineering Technology is required. ABET Accredited Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering or Welding Engineering Technology is preferred.
• 7 years relevant welding engineer experience; preferably in automation.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector certification is preferred.
• Experience in LEAN.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft and AutoCad).
• Ability to work well with people at all levels.
• Ability to read key plans and specifications.
• Strong analysis and problem solving capabilities.
• Enjoys a "hands on" management environment.
• Theoretical understanding of the gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, flux cored arc, shielded metal arc, submerged arc, and stud welding processes.

Additional knowledge of other processes is also preferred

• Theoretical understanding of the welding of ferrous and non-ferrous base metals. This understanding includes but is not limited to what can occur during welding and the proper selection of filler metals.
• Theoretical understanding of nondestructive testing methods for welds.

TOOLS: Personal computing and other electronic communication devices, weld equipment, and software programs.

DIRECTION EXERCISED:

• Full discretionary authority in auditing/correcting welding on the deck plates.

DISCRETION EXERCISED:

• Primary decision maker with respect to day-to-day weld audits
• Provides input into manufacturing strategic plan.

LIAISES WITH: All disciplines within Austal USA, NAVSEA, SUPSHIP, ABS and other customer representatives (as required).

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

• The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of your position responsibilities.
• Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be eligible for employment with Austal USA:
  • 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.

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.