📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: ILS Technical Writer III
🔹 Company: Austal USA
🔹 Location: Mobile, AL
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Shipbuilding
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating and maintaining technical documentation for various shipbuilding programs
- Collaborating with engineering and project management teams to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards
- Working in a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on quality and safety
- Potential for growth and exposure to diverse shipbuilding projects
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical writing experience, preferably in the shipbuilding or engineering sectors. Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and safety standards is also beneficial.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Create and maintain technical documentation for various shipbuilding programs
✅ Collaborate with engineering and project management teams to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards
✅ Work in a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on quality and safety
✅ Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to documentation processes
✅ Provide training and support to team members on documentation best practices
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving are also essential.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, English, Journalism, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in technical writing, with a focus on shipbuilding or engineering
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in technical writing, with a strong portfolio demonstrating ability to create clear, concise, and accurate documentation
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and safety standards
- Experience working with engineering and project management teams
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe FrameMaker
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with shipbuilding-specific software or tools
- Familiarity with military or defense industry standards
- Ability to speak and understand Spanish
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in shipbuilding or a related industry may have an advantage in this role. Familiarity with Austal's specific documentation standards and processes would also be beneficial.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Technical Writer III role in the Mobile, AL area)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with potential for overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Technical Writer III role in the Mobile, AL area. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Austal USA is a leading ship manufacturer in the shipbuilding industry, with a focus on advanced ship manufacturing for both military and commercial markets.
Company Size: Austal USA has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with opportunities for growth and career development.
Founded: Austal USA was founded in 1999 and has since grown to become a major player in the shipbuilding industry, with facilities in Mobile, AL, San Diego, CA, and Singapore.
Company Description:
- Austal USA is a ship manufacturer headquartered in Mobile, Ala., with service centers in San Diego and Singapore and a technology center in Charlottesville, Va.
- The company's facility in Mobile is capable of supporting the manufacture of both aluminum and steel ships, utilizing a moving module production line and strict adherence to lean manufacturing principles.
- Austal USA is currently under contract for several programs, including the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), and the U.S. Navy TAGOS-25 ocean surveillance ship, Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue ship (T-ATS), Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessel, Expeditionary Medical Ship (EMS), Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium (AFDM), and Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programs.
- The company's service business provides global support to U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command and other customers.
Company Specialties:
- Manufacturing
- Shipbuilding
- Autonomy
- Aluminum and Steel Shipbuilding
Company Website: http://austalusa.com/
ASSUMPTION: Austal USA's focus on advanced ship manufacturing and commitment to quality and safety make it an attractive employer for technical professionals seeking a challenging and rewarding career in the shipbuilding industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Manager of Technical Publications
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the potential for occasional remote work with manager approval
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for advancement to a Senior Technical Writer or Technical Publications Manager role
- Exposure to diverse shipbuilding projects, providing opportunities for learning and skill development
- Tuition reimbursement benefits to support continued education and professional development
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong potential for career growth and development within Austal USA's technical publications department.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Austal USA's Mobile, AL facility is a modern shipyard with a focus on advanced manufacturing techniques and a commitment to safety
Office Location(s): 100 Austal Way, Mobile, AL 36602, US
Geographic Context:
- Mobile, AL is located on the Gulf Coast, providing a mild climate and access to water-based recreational activities
- The city offers a low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas in the southeastern United States
- Mobile is home to a diverse range of industries, including shipbuilding, aerospace, and healthcare
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with potential for overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: Austal USA's Mobile, AL facility provides a modern and safe work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development in the shipbuilding industry.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical writing skills and experience
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and safety standards
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and accomplishments in your resume, with a focus on technical writing and shipbuilding or related industries
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of Austal USA's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the role
- Prepare examples of your technical writing work to showcase during the interview process
ATS Keywords: Technical Writing, Documentation, Lean Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Safety Standards, Project Management, Engineering, Communication, Team Collaboration, Quality Assurance
ASSUMPTION: Austal USA's application process is designed to assess candidates' technical writing skills and experience, as well as their ability to work effectively in a team environment and adapt to the company's unique culture.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe FrameMaker
- Shipbuilding-specific software or tools (as needed)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe FrameMaker is essential for this role. Experience with shipbuilding-specific software or tools may also be required, depending on the specific projects assigned to the Technical Writer III.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety: Austal USA is committed to maintaining a safe work environment for all employees
- Quality: The company is dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services to its customers
- Innovation: Austal USA encourages continuous improvement and the exploration of new technologies and processes
- Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration, with a focus on achieving common goals
Work Style:
- Austal USA values a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with a focus on meeting deadlines and delivering results
- The company encourages open communication and active participation in decision-making processes
- Austal USA offers opportunities for professional growth and development, with a focus on supporting employees in achieving their career goals
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to safety and quality in your work?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a focus on meeting deadlines?
- Do you have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and are you able to work effectively in a team environment?
- Are you committed to continuous learning and professional development?
ASSUMPTION: Austal USA's company culture is characterized by a strong commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a focus on meeting deadlines and delivering results
- Adapting to the unique culture and processes of a shipbuilding company
- Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering and project management
- Maintaining a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced work environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome through strong communication and interpersonal skills, a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Technical Writer III roles in other industries may have different focus areas and required skills, but the core responsibilities of creating and maintaining technical documentation remain consistent
- In the shipbuilding industry, Technical Writer III roles may require additional knowledge of shipbuilding-specific software or tools, as well as familiarity with industry-specific standards and regulations
- Career paths for Technical Writer III roles may vary depending on the industry and company, but opportunities for growth and development are available in both technical and management tracks
ASSUMPTION: When comparing similar roles, it is important to consider the industry-specific requirements and career paths available, as well as the company culture and work environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating and maintaining technical documentation for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program
- Developing and implementing a documentation management system for Austal USA's Mobile, AL facility
- Collaborating with engineering and project management teams to create and maintain technical documentation for the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available to a Technical Writer III at Austal USA, with a focus on creating and maintaining technical documentation for diverse shipbuilding programs.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow for a Technical Writer III on your team?
- How does the Technical Writer III role collaborate with other departments, such as engineering and project management?
- What opportunities are available for professional growth and development within the technical publications department?
- How does Austal USA support its employees in maintaining a strong focus on safety and quality in their work?
- Can you describe the company culture and work environment at Austal USA's Mobile, AL facility?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities and work environment of the Technical Writer III role, as well as the company culture and opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments in technical writing and shipbuilding or related industries
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of Austal USA's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the role
- Prepare examples of your technical writing work to showcase during the interview process
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
