Sr. Department Manager – Naval Architecture & Structural Engineering

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: Vice President of Engineering

SUPERVISES: Chief Systems Engineers, Department Managers, Lead Engineers, Lead Designers

Authorities / Responsibilities

• This role is responsible for providing functional leadership and direction to the engineering and production support staff that support the design, development, and construction of naval, U.S. Coast Guard, and Military Sealift Command vessels. Responsibilities encompass all aspects of engineering leadership including:
• Develop and implement organizational strategies to drive employee engagement, critical skills development, employee performance management, compensation, hiring, separations, retention of talent, training, employee recognition, and mentoring/career development.
• Responsible for the engineering managers, design managers, and the department which includes engineers, designers, drafters, and technical assistants
• Develop long-range planning initiatives for the engineering department, which includes continuously evaluating the resource needs, capacities, critical skills, and engineering tools to support executive staff in meeting corporate growth goals.
• Administers performance evaluations, provides regular feedback, and coaches engineering managers who lead the department.
• Manage program staffing requirements and allocation of resources and coordinate requirements/plans with internal customers.
• Lead process improvements, maintain/develop process documentation, and manage process adherence
• Manage and resolve technical issues/non-conformances with timely root cause and corrective actions to ensure process quality and excellence in support of, ship contract requirements, ISO compliance, audits, and overall continuous improvement.
• In charge of overseeing the Earned Value Management System (EVMS) for all programs, and adeptly managing any discrepancies or variances in collaboration with the customer.
• Support proposal activities to include development of technical volume, basis of estimate, ROMs and support with proposal reviews.
• Develop strategic plans to support ship construction strategies, technology development, design optimization, and production improvements.
• Responsible for all strategic and tactical planning for the engineering department.
• Responsible for training, career development, and fostering a cohesive culture throughout the department.
• Responsible for developing training strategies, mentorship programs, and employee recognition within the department.
• Manages subcontract resources either assigned in-house or through outsource work assignments. Reviews work being performed to ensure that consistent performance is attained in developing Engineering work products.
• Support the Estimating Business System initiative in response to RFP or RFQ requirements to ensure Basis of Estimates are in accordance with DFARs Cost Estimating System Requirements.
  
  

Qualifications / Knowledge / Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Architecture or Ocean Engineering preferred
• Minimum 15 years of shipyard design and construction experience or equivalent experience
• Minimum 5 years managerial responsibilities of engineering personnel.
• Experienced leader and able to effectively lead other leaders/managers
• Must be familiar with the ship design process
• Strong technical background and experience
• Thorough knowledge of naval architecture and vessel structural design
• Must be able to clearly and effectively communicate technical and design issues to external and internal customers, as well as subordinates.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Thorough knowledge of ship systems
• Strong working knowledge of Maritime Regulatory Authorities (i.e. ABS, DNV, GL, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, IMO, etc.)
• Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance
  
  

Tools

• Computer – MS Office Products, AutoCAD
  
  

Liaises With

• Internal and External Customers, as required.
  
  

Additional Guidelines

Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be eligible for employment with Austal USA:

• Required to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of your position responsibilities.
• 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
  
  

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.