Automated Welding Operator

Automated Welding Operator Job Highlights

Company Profile

Austal USA is a ship manufacturer and its modern 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.

Job Profile

The company is seeking an Automated Welding Operator to join its team.

Educational Qualification

• Applicants should have a High School Diploma or GED or comparable trade experience and 4 years of robotic or automatic weld operating experience.
• Associate’s Degree in Welding or Manufacturing with 2 years of robotic or automatic weld operating experience required, OR

Work Experience

• Possess comparable trade experience (5 or more years of experience working in the applicable trade, 2 years of experience in shipbuilding, or education in the trade comparable to apprenticeship)
• Experience operating overhead cranes is (required)
• Experience with Arc or Flame Gouging (preferred)
• Experience with Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Core Welding (FCAW) processes (required)
• Experience with programming and electrical systems (required)
• Experience with Sub Arc Welding (SAW) process (preferred)

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops and implements welding techniques and qualifies weld procedures for specific applications
• Develops CNC and PLC programs as needed
• Develops lean manufacturing processes and push for continuous process improvement.
• Ensures proper plate orientation prior to welding.
• Ensures that all equipment and tools are operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Leads robotic and automated welding operations productively and safely to support ship fabrication
• Performs daily pre-operational checklists and basic maintenance of all machines.
• Responsible for first-time quality.
• Responsible for proper joint detail and using the correct weld procedure for joining plates.
• Responsible for the edge prep and sequencing of the plates for the panel line.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and relay the findings to your supervisor and maintenance technician.
• Validates’ correct consumables (wire, flux, shielding gas, etc.) are being used in accordance with the weld procedure.
• Visually inspect welds, mark defects, and perform repairs.
• Will be required to work multiple shifts and overtime as directed by Management.
• Other job duties as assigned

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Ability to obtain and maintain required welder qualifications
• Ability to receive and carry out written and verbal instruction
• Ability to think critically and solve mechanical and programming problems
• Ability to work in a team environment and work as a group to develop best practices and standards
• Demonstrated the ability to read drawings, identify weld joints, and follow weld procedures
• Must have a strong lean manufacturing mindset and a continuous drive for process improvement

Additional Guidelines

• 18 years of age or older at the time of application
• Able to provide proof of US Person Status
• No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within Seven years from the disposition date

Physical Requirements

• 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 the body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis. Lift/push/pull 50 lbs. to 75 lbs. on an occasional basis. Lift/push/pull up to 20 lbs. 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’ while working from ladders, scaffolding, or man lifts.
• Able to work at a variety of levels (ex. waist, eye, overhead).
• Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment.
• Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles.
• Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment.
• Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toes 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.

Tools

• Sanders, grinders, cutting torch, arc gouging, mechanized cutting machines, overhead cranes, cutting torches, applicable machinery components, etc.

Work Environment

• May be exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes 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.
• Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.
• 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.
• Occasionally required to sit.

Benefits/Perks

• 401(k) Company match on first 3% of the contribution
• Bereavement Pay
• Boot and Prescription Safety Glasses Allowance
• Company Paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death Insurance, and Disability Coverage
• Eight Paid Holidays per year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Productivity Incentive Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Major Medical and Dental Insurance
• Optional Critical Illness coverage
• Personal Time
• Vacation

Employer’s Statement

Austal USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.