Friction Stir Weld Operator I in Mobile, AL at Austal

Job Snapshot

Employee Type:

Full-time

Location:

Mobile, AL

Job Description

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. 

REPORTS TO:  FSW Supervisor

SUPERVISES:  N/A

JOB SUMMARY:  Sets up and operates the friction stir weld (FSW) machine consistently generating quality product at the optimum level.

AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Handles materials by loading/unloading the welding table. Assures materials have been well prepared for work.   
  • Operates hydraulic clamps to hold material in place.
  • Validates machine and tool setup is satisfactory based on job specifications, weld procedures and tool precision.
  • Operates machine by entering commands via computer interface. Accesses machine programing and understands basic machine code commands.
  • Monitors data feedback from the weld machine identifying required adjustments to machine or tool, i.e. material thickness changes, table leveling changes, etc.
  • Maintains paperwork used to document material processing and quality checks.
  • Records the correct details on the welding paperwork.
  • Monitors tool life in accordance with procedures – tracks linear meters of weld per tool, inspects tool per use, identifies tool defects, reviews quality assurance metrics – and provides feedback for maintaining optimal tool life.
  • Assists with tool replacement as needed.
  • Assesses finished work to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Maintains working relationship with the Quality Assurance team to receive quality feedback of welded panels.
  • Correctly labels panels to the appropriate vessel – tracking PO number, heat or lot number, and thickness of the plate.
  • Carries out scheduled, operational maintenance of the machine.
  • Ensures maximum weld time and minimal material waste.
  • Follows written and verbal instructions.
  • Maintains clean and orderly work area.
  • Works in a safe manner reporting any potential safety hazards to the supervisor.
  • Works any shift or extra hours when necessary.
  • May be assigned to complete tasks considered to be outside of craft.
  • Complies with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing work assignments.   
  • Complies with the Austal’s “Equal Opportunity and Anti-Harassment Policy” which expects that all relationships among persons in the workplace will be professional and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum 6 months’ experience as a Friction Stir Trades Assistant at Austal or 1 year of experience in CNC operations in a similar industry required
    • Certificate/Completion from a technical trade school, applicable skilled trades program or apprenticeship. 2 years of experience in shipbuilding production or closely related industry may be considered in lieu of certificate/completion.
  • Must pass the Friction Stir Weld skills evaluation within 30 days of position.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate hydraulic clamping systems.
  • Good mechanical aptitude with ability to produce consistent quality.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
  • Must be willing and have the ability to learn new software programs as needed.
  • Shipbuilding experience preferred.

TOOLS:  Maintain knowledge of tools and proper handling and usage per Supervisor and/or Foreman.

 

DIRECTION EXERCISED:  N/A

LIASES WITH:  Friction Stir Weld, Quality Assurance, and Health, Safety & Environmental departments

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:  Candidate must meet Austal USA’s basic employment eligibility guidelines.

  • 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
  • Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19

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 to 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’ while working from ladders, scaffolding and/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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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, 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.