Quick Answer

Yes, Austal hires people with felony convictions case-by-case for positions not requiring security clearance. As a major U.S. Navy shipbuilder, Austal offers skilled trades employment at shipyards in Alabama and California:

• Shipfitter/Welder: $22-35/hour (ship construction, fabrication)

• Welder: $20-32/hour (aluminum and steel welding)

• Marine Electrician: $24-38/hour (electrical systems installation)

• General Laborer: $16-24/hour (entry-level shipyard work)

• Career Path: Laborer → Skilled Tradesperson → Lead/Supervisor ($55k-$85k/year)

CRITICAL NOTE: Many Austal positions require security clearance (felonies may disqualify). Non-cleared production roles most accessible.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Austal USA

3. Does Austal Hire People with Felonies?

4. Austal Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

5. Austal Background Check & Security Clearance: What to Expect

6. How to Get Hired at Austal with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Defense Contractors & Shipbuilders

9. Final Thoughts

About Austal USA

Austal USA is a major American shipbuilder specializing in designing and constructing aluminum ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial vessels. Austal operates shipyards in Mobile, Alabama (primary facility with ~4,000 employees) and San Diego, California (smaller facility). Austal builds Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), Expeditionary Fast Transport vessels (EPF), and other military vessels for the U.S. Department of Defense. As a defense contractor and shipbuilder, Austal offers accessible employment for people with criminal records in specific non-security-cleared production and skilled trades positions due to critical skilled labor shortage in shipbuilding industry, apprenticeship programs training workers in welding and shipfitting, production work not requiring clearance, behind-the-scenes shipyard manufacturing, union representation (various trades unions), and pathway from entry-level laborer to skilled tradesperson earning $50k-$75k annually in 2025.

Why Austal Can Be Accessible (With Limitations):

1. Severe skilled trades shortage - Welders, shipfitters, electricians desperately needed

2. Apprenticeship programs - Train entry-level workers in shipbuilding trades

3. Non-cleared production roles - Many positions don't require security clearance

4. Union representation - Trade unions provide job protections

5. High wages - Skilled trades earn $20-38/hour ($40k-$80k/year)

6. Behind-the-scenes work - Shipyard production, not public-facing

7. Entry-level laborer positions - Pathway into skilled trades

8. Desperate hiring needs - Shipbuilding industry critically short of workers

MAJOR LIMITATION: Security clearance required for many positions (design, engineering, classified ship systems) which felonies often disqualify. Production and non-sensitive skilled trades most accessible.

Does Austal Hire People with Felonies?

Austal Hiring Approach (2025): Austal evaluates applicants with criminal records case-by-case with significant distinction between security-cleared positions (restricted) and non-cleared production/skilled trades positions (more accessible). As a defense contractor building U.S. Navy ships, Austal must comply with Department of Defense security requirements. Positions requiring Secret or Top Secret clearance conduct extensive background investigations where felonies typically disqualify applicants. However, production positions including welders, shipfitters, laborers, painters, and other skilled trades often do NOT require security clearance and evaluate criminal records case-by-case. Austal's shipyard in Mobile, Alabama has hired people with various criminal backgrounds for production roles due to critical skilled labor shortage. Conviction type, time elapsed, rehabilitation, and specific position determine eligibility in 2025.

What Austal Considers:

• Security clearance requirement (MOST CRITICAL FACTOR)

• Position type (production vs. engineering vs. administrative)

• Time since conviction (5-10+ years better for any role)

• Nature of conviction (violence, espionage, sabotage most concerning)

• Skilled trades certifications (welding certification increases value)

• Rehabilitation demonstrated through employment history

• Union membership or apprenticeship completion

Most Accessible Austal Positions (Non-Cleared): General Laborer, Welder (with certification), Shipfitter, Painter, Sandblaster, Material Handler, Scaffold Builder, Production Assistant

Positions Requiring Clearance (VERY DIFFICULT/IMPOSSIBLE): Engineering roles, Design positions, Program management, IT/Cybersecurity, Quality Assurance (some roles), Administrative roles with classified access

What Convictions Are Evaluated Case-by-Case: Non-violent felonies (production roles), drug convictions (if 5+ years and rehabilitation shown), DUI/traffic violations, property crimes (context-dependent), assault (depending on circumstances and time)

What Likely Disqualifies: Espionage or treason, sabotage, terrorism-related

offenses, recent violence (workplace safety concern), sex offenses (shared facilities), active warrants, recent convictions requiring security clearance positions

Austal Application Strategy: Target non-clearance production positions explicitly. Obtain welding certification before applying (dramatically increases hiring odds). Apply through union apprenticeship programs (Alabama shipbuilding unions). Emphasize skilled trades experience or willingness to learn. Be honest about criminal history during application lying discovered during background check automatic disqualification. Consider starting as general laborer, prove reliability, advance to skilled trades apprenticeship.

Austal Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

1. Shipfitter / Structural Fitter

   Pay: $22-35/hour ($45,000-$73,000/year)

   Installing and fitting structural steel and aluminum components on ships, reading blueprints and technical drawings, measuring and cutting materials, assembling ship frames and bulkheads, welding structural components, working in confined spaces, using hand and power tools, ensuring structural integrity of ship construction.

   
   

   Security Clearance: Typically NOT required for production shipfitting (verify with Austal for specific role)

   
   

   Why Accessible: Critical skilled trade with severe shortage, apprenticeship programs available, production-focused work, behind-the-scenes shipyard, high wages incentivize hiring, union representation provides job protections, advancement to lead fitter or supervisor possible.

   
   

2. Welder (Aluminum and Steel)

   Pay: $20-32/hour ($42,000-$67,000/year)

   Welding aluminum and steel ship components using MIG, TIG, and stick welding processes, reading welding blueprints and specifications, ensuring weld quality and integrity, following Navy welding standards, working in various shipyard environments, maintaining welding equipment, passing weld certifications.

   
   

   Requirements: Welding certification (AWS or equivalent) strongly preferred or required. Austal may provide training for promising candidates.

   
   

   Security Clearance: Typically NOT required for production welding roles

   
   

   Why Accessible: Welder shortage nationwide and especially shipbuilding, welding certification demonstrates technical skill, production welding doesn't require clearance, training programs available, union welding positions, advance to welding inspector or supervisor, high demand trade.

   
   

3. Marine Electrician / Electrical Technician

   Pay: $24-38/hour ($50,000-$79,000/year)

   Installing electrical systems and wiring on ships, reading electrical schematics and blueprints, running electrical cable throughout vessels, installing lighting and power systems, troubleshooting electrical issues, following Navy electrical standards, testing electrical systems, working with marine electrical equipment.

   
   

   Requirements: Electrical experience or industrial electrician background preferred. Electrical apprenticeship or technical training helpful.

   
   

   Security Clearance: SOME electrical positions may require clearance (classified systems). Production electrical work often does NOT require clearance—verify specific role.

   
   

   Why Accessible (for non-cleared roles): Electrical trades shortage, technical skills valued, apprenticeship pathway available, union electrical positions common, high wages, advancement to lead electrician or electrical supervisor.

   
   

4. Painter / Blaster

   Pay: $18-28/hour ($37,000-$58,000/year)

   Preparing ship surfaces through sandblasting and grinding, applying protective coatings and marine paint, following Navy painting specifications, operating blasting equipment, working in confined spaces, ensuring proper surface preparation, maintaining painting equipment, working with hazardous materials (proper training and PPE provided).

   
   

   Security Clearance: NOT required

   
   

   Why Highly Accessible: Entry-level skilled trade, training provided on job, physical demanding work (less competition), behind-the-scenes production, no clearance required, straightforward painting/coating work, union painter positions, advance to lead painter.

   
   

5. General Laborer / Production Assistant

   Pay: $16-24/hour ($33,000-$50,000/year)

   Assisting skilled tradespeople with shipbuilding tasks, moving materials and equipment throughout shipyard, cleaning and preparing work areas, operating hand tools, supporting welders and fitters, learning shipbuilding processes, physical labor in shipyard environment, following safety procedures.

   
   

   Security Clearance: NOT required

   
   

   Why Most Accessible: Entry-level shipyard position, no experience required, physical labor focus, behind-the-scenes production support, gateway to skilled trades apprenticeships, prove reliability for advancement, laborer-to-apprentice pipeline common, least restrictive background requirements.

   
   

6. Shipyard Material Handler / Forklift Operator

   Pay: $18-26/hour ($37,000-$54,000/year)

   Operating forklifts and material handling equipment moving ship components and materials, loading and unloading trucks, organizing shipyard inventory, supporting production with timely material delivery, maintaining equipment, following safety protocols, using inventory management systems.

   
   

   Requirements: Forklift certification required (Austal may provide training)

   
   

   Security Clearance: NOT required

   
   

   Why Accessible: Material handling support role, forklift certification increases value, behind-the-scenes logistics, physical straightforward work, no clearance needed, steady shipyard employment.

   
   

7. Scaffold Builder / Rigger

   Pay: $20-30/hour ($42,000-$62,000/year)

   Building and dismantling scaffolding throughout shipyard and on ships, rigging and moving heavy ship components using cranes and lifting equipment, ensuring scaffold safety and stability, working at heights, following OSHA scaffold regulations, supporting ship construction with access structures.

   
   

   Requirements: Scaffold building certification or willingness to train. Rigging certification helpful.

   
   

   Security Clearance: NOT required

   
   

   Why Accessible: Specialized trade with training available, physical demanding work, critical shipyard support role, union scaffold positions, no clearance requirement, advance to lead rigger.

   
   

8. Marine Pipe Fitter / Welder

   Pay: $22-34/hour ($46,000-$71,000/year)

   Installing piping systems on ships including water, fuel, hydraulic, and ventilation systems, reading piping blueprints, cutting and threading pipe, welding pipe connections, testing piping systems for leaks, following Navy piping standards, working in confined spaces throughout ship.

   
   

   Requirements: Pipe fitting or plumbing experience helpful. Welding certification increases value.

   
   

   Security Clearance: Production pipe fitting typically does NOT require clearance (verify for specific role)

   
   

   Why Accessible: Pipe fitting trades shortage, combination welding/fitting skills valued, apprenticeship available, union pipe fitter positions, no clearance for production work, high demand trade.

   
   

9. Quality Control Inspector (Non-Classified)

   Pay: $22-32/hour ($46,000-$67,000/year)

   Inspecting ship construction work for quality and compliance with specifications, verifying welds and structural work, documenting inspection results, ensuring Navy standards met, using inspection tools and gauges, working with production teams, supporting continuous improvement.

   
   

   Requirements: Quality inspection experience or skilled trades background. Understanding of welding, fitting, or construction helpful.

   
   

   Security Clearance: SOME QC positions require clearance. Entry-level production QC roles often do NOT require clearance—verify specific position.

   
   

   Why Accessible (for non-cleared roles): Quality expertise valued, skilled trades background transfers to inspection, advancement from production roles, technical knowledge developed on job.

   
   

10. Shipyard Maintenance Technician

    Pay: $20-30/hour ($42,000-$62,000/year)

    Maintaining shipyard facilities and equipment, repairing production machinery and tools, preventive maintenance on equipment, troubleshooting breakdowns, electrical and mechanical repairs, supporting shipyard operations, maintaining safe working environment.

    
    

    Requirements: Mechanical or maintenance experience, electrical and mechanical skills.

    
    

    Security Clearance: Typically NOT required for facilities maintenance

    
    

    Why Accessible: Facility maintenance rather than ship production (less sensitive), technical skills valued, behind-the-scenes support role, skilled trade with advancement potential.

Austal Background Check & Security Clearance: What to Expect

Background Check Process (2025): Austal conducts extensive background checks as a defense contractor. Level of background investigation depends on position and security clearance requirement. Non-cleared positions conduct standard 7-10 year criminal history checks, employment verification, and drug testing. Security-cleared positions (Secret or Top Secret) require federal background investigations by Department of Defense including extensive criminal history (lifetime), credit checks, interviews with references and associates, and polygraph for some Top Secret positions. Background check timeline: standard checks 1-2 weeks; Secret clearance 3-6 months; Top Secret clearance 6-18 months.

Security Clearance & Felonies: Federal security clearance adjudication considers "whole person" but felonies create significant barriers. Recent felonies (within 7-10 years) very difficult to overcome for clearance. Drug trafficking, violence, espionage, fraud, and national security-related convictions typically automatic disqualification. Older felonies (15-20+ years) with demonstrated rehabilitation MAY be granted clearance case-by-case but rare. Most people with felony convictions cannot obtain security clearance target non-cleared production positions.

What May Disqualify (Non-Cleared Positions): Violence in workplace, sabotage or destruction of property (shipyard safety concern), espionage or national security crimes, terrorism, recent felonies (within 1-2 years), active warrants, lying on application (automatic disqualification)

Drug Testing: Pre-employment drug testing required for all Austal positions (Department of Defense contractor requirement). Random drug testing during employment. Zero-tolerance for positive drug tests. Hair follicle testing may be used.

How to Get Hired at Austal with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

1. Target NON-Clearance Production Positions Only

   Research position descriptions carefully. Apply ONLY to roles explicitly stating "no security clearance required" or production/skilled trades positions. Avoid engineering, design, IT, program management roles requiring clearance—wasting time applying.

   
   

2. Get Welding Certification FIRST

   Welding certification (AWS or community college welding program) dramatically increases hiring odds. Certified welders in extreme shortage. Invest in welding training ($2,000-$5,000, 3-6 months) before applying—game changer for shipbuilding careers.

   
   

3. Apply Through Union Apprenticeship Programs

   Alabama shipbuilding unions (contact Gulf Coast Shipbuilders Association) offer apprenticeships with pathway to Austal employment. Union apprenticeships provide training + employment + union protections. Excellent pathway for people with records.

   
   

4. Start as General Laborer

   General Laborer most accessible entry point. Accept laborer position ($16-24/hour), prove reliability over 6-12 months, apply for skilled trades apprenticeship internally. Laborer-to-welder/fitter pipeline common at Austal.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest on Application

   Austal conducts thorough background checks. Lying discovered = automatic disqualification and blacklisted. Answer criminal history questions honestly. Explain briefly: "I have [conviction type] from [year], completed sentence/probation, seeking shipbuilding career."

   
   

6. Emphasize Relevant Skills and Trades Experience

   Highlight: welding, construction, manufacturing, mechanical work, electrical experience, military service (if applicable), technical training, any skilled trades background. Shipbuilding values hands-on experience.

   
   

7. Obtain Skilled Trades Certifications

   Beyond welding: OSHA 10/30, forklift certification, scaffold certification, electrical/plumbing licenses increase value. Certifications demonstrate commitment and technical competency.

   
   

8. Apply to Mobile, Alabama Shipyard (Primary Facility)

   Austal's Mobile facility largest with most positions. Relocate to Mobile area if needed shipbuilding hub with multiple contractors. Housing more affordable than coastal California.

   
   

9. Prepare for Rigorous Physical and Skills Testing

   Austal requires physical fitness tests (lifting, climbing, confined spaces) and skills assessments (welding test, blueprint reading). Practice skills before applying. Pass testing critical to hiring.

   
   

10. Network with Current Austal Employees

    Shipbuilding community tight-knit. Connect with current employees (LinkedIn, trade unions) for referrals. Employee referrals significantly increase hiring odds at defense contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Austal hire convicted felons?

   Yes, Austal hires people with felony convictions case-by-case for NON-SECURITY-CLEARED positions in 2025. Production roles including Welder ($20-32/hr), Shipfitter ($22-35/hr), and General Laborer ($16-24/hr) do not require security clearance and evaluate felonies individually. Positions requiring Secret or Top Secret clearance typically impossible with felonies. Target production and skilled trades positions. Welding certification dramatically increases hiring odds due to severe welder shortage.

2. Will Austal hire me with a felony?

   Possibly for non-cleared production roles depending on conviction type, time elapsed, and position in 2025. Many Austal production workers have criminal records. Recent felonies (within 1-3 years) difficult. Older convictions (5-10+ years) more acceptable. Violence and national security crimes face most scrutiny. Get welding certification before applying—certified welders in extreme demand. Apply for General Laborer, Welder, Painter, Scaffold Builder positions (no clearance required).

3. What Austal positions require security clearance?

   Engineering positions, design roles, program management, IT/cybersecurity, some quality assurance, administrative roles with classified access, and positions working on sensitive ship systems require Secret or Top Secret clearance. Felonies typically disqualify from clearance. Production positions (welders, fitters, laborers, painters) generally do NOT require clearance—target these roles.

4. Can you work at Austal with a drug conviction?

   Possibly for non-cleared production positions if significant time elapsed (5-10+ years) and rehabilitation demonstrated in 2025. Recent drug convictions difficult. All positions require passing pre-employment drug test and random testing. Must maintain sobriety. Drug trafficking more serious than possession. Older drug convictions with clean record since more acceptable. Be honest during application process.

5. How far back does Austal background check go?

   Standard positions: 7-10 years criminal history in 2025. Security clearance positions: lifetime criminal history review by Department of Defense. Austal as defense contractor conducts thorough background investigations. All criminal history should be disclosed honestly—discovered lies automatic disqualification.

6. Does Austal automatically reject felons?

   No automatic rejection for non-cleared production positions—case-by-case evaluation in 2025. Security clearance positions effectively reject most felonies due to federal adjudication standards. Production roles (welding, fitting, laboring) evaluate convictions individually considering time, nature, rehabilitation. Severe skilled trades shortage creates hiring flexibility for production roles. Violence and sabotage face most concern in shipyard environment.

7. Can you work at Austal while on probation or parole?

   Yes if hired for non-cleared position. Some Austal production employees manage probation/parole in 2025. Shipyard work structured shifts. Travel restrictions may prevent employment if you cannot travel to Mobile, Alabama. Be upfront with probation officer and Austal about employment requirements. Stable shipbuilding employment and high wages ($40k-$70k) demonstrate rehabilitation.

8. Does Austal drug test?

   Yes, pre-employment drug testing required for all positions (Department of Defense contractor requirement) in 2025. Hair follicle testing may be used (detects drugs 90 days). Random drug testing during employment standard. Zero-tolerance for positive results—termination. Must maintain complete sobriety to work at Austal. If cannot pass drug test, focus on sobriety before applying to defense contractors.

9. Can felons advance at Austal?

   Yes for non-cleared positions in 2025. Production workers advance to lead positions and supervisors without clearance requirement. Career path: Laborer → Skilled Tradesperson (welder/fitter) → Lead → Supervisor ($55k-$85k). Skilled trades workers with certifications and experience advance based on performance. Clearance-required management positions remain inaccessible with felonies but production leadership achievable.

10. Is Austal felon-friendly?

    Partially depends on position in 2025. NON-CLEARED production and skilled trades positions relatively accessible case-by-case. Security-cleared positions (engineering, design, management) effectively closed to people with felonies due to federal clearance requirements. Skilled trades shortage creates opportunity for welders, fitters, laborers with criminal records. Not "felon-friendly" like retail but more accessible than many defense contractors for production roles.

11. What benefits does Austal offer?

    Austal offers competitive shipbuilding industry benefits: health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with company match, paid time off, overtime pay (frequent in shipbuilding), union representation and protections (various trades), skilled trades training and apprenticeships, high wages ($20-38/hour for skilled trades), career advancement opportunities, and stable long-term employment in growing Navy shipbuilding industry.

12. How long is Austal hiring process?

    Austal hiring timeline varies by position and clearance requirement in 2025. Non-cleared production positions: application → phone screen (1-2 weeks) → skills testing and physical assessment (1 week) → in-person interview (1-2 weeks) → background check (1-2 weeks) → drug test → orientation (2-3 months total typical). Security-cleared positions add 3-18 months for clearance processing. Production hiring faster due to urgent skilled trades needs.

Similar Defense Contractors & Shipbuilders

Shipbuilding Companies (Gulf Coast):

• Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) - largest U.S. military shipbuilder, Mississippi and Virginia shipyards

• General Dynamics NASSCO - San Diego shipyard, government and commercial ships

• Bollinger Shipyards - Louisiana, smaller vessels

• VT Halter Marine - Mississippi, Coast Guard and Navy vessels

Defense Contractors (Non-Shipbuilding):

• Lockheed Martin (aircraft, missiles, defense systems - mostly requires clearance)

• Northrop Grumman (aerospace, defense - mostly requires clearance)

• Raytheon (missiles, defense systems - mostly requires clearance)

NOTE: Most defense contractors require security clearance for majority of positions making them very difficult for people with felonies. Shipbuilding production roles among most accessible defense industry positions for people with criminal records.

Non-Defense Manufacturing (More Accessible):

• General manufacturing (250,000+ U.S. facilities)

• Automotive manufacturing (Ford, GM, Toyota plants)

• Heavy equipment manufacturing (Caterpillar, John Deere)

• Steel fabrication and metal working

Final Thoughts

Austal offers LIMITED but REAL opportunities for people with felonies in non-security-cleared production and skilled trades positions at shipyards in Mobile, Alabama and San Diego, California. Welder ($20-32/hour), Shipfitter ($22-35/hour), and General Laborer ($16-24/hour) positions do not require security clearance and evaluate criminal records case-by-case. Critical skilled trades shortage in shipbuilding creates hiring urgency for certified welders and tradespeople. Obtaining welding certification before applying dramatically increases hiring odds and provides pathway to $40,000-$67,000 annually. Career advancement from General Laborer to skilled tradesperson to Lead/Supervisor ($55k-$85k) realistic over 5-10 years without security clearance requirement.

MAJOR LIMITATION: Security clearance required for engineering, design, IT, program management, and many other positions—felonies typically disqualify from clearance. Only production and non-sensitive skilled trades accessible.

Key Takeaways for 2025:

• Austal hires felons case-by-case for NON-CLEARED production roles only

• Security clearance positions (most salaried roles) effectively closed to felons

• Get welding certification FIRST game changer for hiring odds

• General Laborer $16-24/hour most accessible entry (no clearance, no certification)

• Welder $20-32/hour, Shipfitter $22-35/hour (high demand, no clearance)

• Apply through union apprenticeship programs (training + pathway)

• Be completely honest on application lies = automatic disqualification

• Mobile, Alabama shipyard primary facility with most opportunities

• Career path: Laborer → Apprentice → Skilled Trade → Lead ($55k-$85k)

• Pre-employment drug testing required (hair follicle possible)

• Violence and sabotage most concerning in shipyard environment

• Older felonies (5-10+ years) more acceptable than recent

• Union representation provides job protections