Welding Engineer Intern

REPORTS TO: Sr Weld Process Engineer Additive Manufacturing - 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:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Welding Engineering Intern to join our Additive Manufacturing team. This position offers hands-on experience in production welding processes, procedure development, and quality control. The intern will work alongside senior engineers on real-world projects to support parameter development and material maturity teams. 

• Procedure Development: Assist in drafting, testing, and qualifying Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR).
• Quality & Testing: Support testing and reporting of parameter development samples.
• Production Support: Troubleshoot robotic and automated welding systems.
• Technical Documentation: Review and update welding documents and ensure compliance with codes and standards (Mil Spec).
• Project Work: Complete a major assigned project focused on process improvement (Parameter Development for Additive Manufacturing Applications).
• Safety Compliance: Ensure all activities performed meet company safety requirements. 
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in Welding Engineering, or Welding Engineering Technology with an accredited university.
• Currently maintaining a minimum 2.0 overall grade point average (4.0 scale).
• Successful completion of Fourth Semester of discipline-specific Engineering Curriculum (latest release date).
• Basic understanding of welding processes (GMAW, GTAW, FCAW) and metallurgy.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with CAD software. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD design software desirable.
• Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Must be self-motivated to learn and succeed.
• Must be able to communicate innovative approaches and ideas to supervisor.
• Ability to work in a high-paced team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work in Production environment.
• Demonstrated project and time management skills.
• Systematic troubleshooting abilities/root cause analysis.
• Strong sense of ownership.
• Must be able to clearly and effectively communicate technical and design issues to external and internal customers.
• Strong written and communication skills required.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment preferred.
• Familiarity with robotic welding programming preferred.
• Active participation in organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) preferred. 

TOOLS:

• Computer – applicable software.

DIRECTION EXERCISED:

• As required by immediate supervisory personnel.

DISCRETION EXERCISED:

• N/A

LIASES WITH:

• Operation, Engineers, Technicians, Production Personnel, other Austal departmental personnel (as directed).

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

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

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters whole 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. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

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.