REPORTS TO: Rotates under the supervision of functional leaders across assigned departments, with HR responsible for oversight of the professional development program.
SUPERVISES: N/A
PURPOSE: The Professional Development Program (PDP) is an accelerated career development pathway designed for early‑career professionals interested in technical and operational leadership roles. This program provides immersive exposure to Austal USA’s core shipbuilding functions which may include but are not limited to—Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Production Control, Business Development, and Surface Programs—through structured rotations, hands‑on project work, and personalized mentorship from experienced leaders.
Associates gain a comprehensive understanding of how ships are designed, built, resourced, scheduled, and delivered. The program also includes professional development workshops, and ongoing coaching to support continuous growth. Upon completion, associates are placed into roles aligned with their strengths, qualifications, and business needs, providing a clear path for long-term career progression.
AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Complete structured rotations which may include but are not limited to Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Production Control, Business Development and Surface Programs, gaining firsthand experience in critical shipbuilding processes.
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Support project work and continuous improvement initiatives related to production flow, engineering efficiency, material availability, and program execution.
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Analyze operational, technical, marketing/business development, and supply chain data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including design engineering, planning, procurement, production, and program management—to learn workflows, contribute to team objectives, and support deliverables.
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Participate in professional development activities, including workshops, technical training, and mentorship programs to build foundational knowledge and skills.
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Document learnings and progress throughout each rotation and present outcomes at program milestones.
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, Marketing/Business Development or a related technical/business field
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Demonstrated leadership potential through internships, campus involvement, or other relevant experience
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Self-starter with strong analytical, problem solving, and communication skills
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Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, production driven environment
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Strong curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset
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Willingness to rotate across departments and work areas as needed
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Internship or Co-op experience in manufacturing, engineering, shipbuilding, or a technical/industrial environment preferred
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Familiarity with project management, data analysis tools, ERP/MRP systems, or process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) preferred
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Adapt quickly to new environments, systems, and processes as rotations change.
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Demonstrate a willingness to learn, take initiative, and develop a strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
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Travel may be required
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The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of responsibilities.
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Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:
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18 years of age or older at time of application
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Able to provide proof of US Person Status
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No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
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No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
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Willing to submit to a drug screen
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Willing to submit to a background check
TOOLS:
DIRECTION EXERCISED: Receives structured direction, training, and regular feedback from rotation supervisors and program mentors. Work is assigned with clear objectives and expectations, with increasing independence as knowledge and experience develop throughout the program.
DISCRETION EXERCISED: Works under close guidance with limited discretion. Applies basic judgment in completing assigned tasks and escalating questions or issues to supervisors or mentors.
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Austal Program Management
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Engineering
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Operations
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Production Control
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Supply Chain Management
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Business Development
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Human Resources, Finance, and other functional departments as appropriate and necessary from time to time.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit.
Specific physical requirements include the following:
Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel. Perform prolonged standing. Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis. Lift/push/pull 50lbs – 75lbs on an occasional basis. Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis. Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps). Ability to work at heights above 12 feet while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts. Able to work at a variety of levels (example: waist-level, eye-level, overhead). Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment. Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles. Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards. Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures. Ability to enter 18” x 36” openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time. Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands. Able to utilize adequate visual skills. Ability to fully extend the arm while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side and reaching down. Ability to perceive attributes of an object/material such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in the hands and fingers.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters 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 is regularly exposed to humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat and cold. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
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.
