Job Overview

Saronic Industries is seeking a Training Specialist to own the implementation and facilitation of hands-on training programs at our Austin, TX location. This role schedules and leads on-site sessions, onboards new hires, collaborates with subject matter experts to create and deliver training, and ensures programs are delivered consistently to standard across welding, fitting, wire harnessing, and general shipbuilding operations for our autonomous surface vessels (ASVs).

The Training Specialist serves as the primary liaison between production management, subject matter experts, and corporate Learning & Development — surfacing site-specific needs, adapting corporate-developed content for local context, and reporting on training completion, quality, and learner feedback to both audiences. Because instruction at Austin is delivered primarily hands-on, the ideal candidate brings a maritime and/or manufacturing background, working proficiency across multiple trades at a basic level, and the ability to train a diverse workforce that ranges from entry-level new hires to experienced journeymen and subject matter experts.

Responsibilities

• Own the training calendar for the Austin production site — scheduling, logistics, and materials — and lead onboarding that gives new hires a consistent start and accelerates time to productivity.

• Partner with shipyard leadership, production supervisors, and subject matter experts to identify skill gaps and translate them into practical, hands-on instruction.

• Adapt corporate-developed content for site conditions and confirm programs are delivered consistently to standard across trades.

• Apply adult learning principles and site safety, operational, and compliance requirements to all trainings delivered on the floor.

• Track completion, quality, and learner feedback in the learning management system, report results to shipyard leadership and corporate L&D, and use that data to refine programs.

• Design and deliver on-the-job training for welders, fitters, and related production trades- covering blueprint reading, layout, assembly, and the safe use of trade tools, equipment, and rigging.

• Deliver required equipment and safety training, including Powered Industrial Truck certification, reinforcing PPE, fire prevention, and equipment inspection expectations in every session.

• Coach trainees in real time during hands-on practice and escalate when a pattern points to a process or program issue rather than an individual one.

• Host and coordinate local workforce development partners on site visits, materials reviews, and third-party-led sessions, working with corporate L&D on implementation.

Qualifications

• Required

  • 3+ years of experience in aluminum welding, wire harnessing, fitting, or a related

    shipbuilding/heavy manufacturing trade, in a training, mentoring, or lead role.

  • Certification in any of the following areas: manufacturing, mariner, welding, and/or electrical.

  • Strong facilitation, writing, editing, project management, and organization skills.

  • Ability to partner directly with subject matter experts to scope learning objectives and translate complex content into accessible learning experiences.

  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance.

• Preferred

  • Experience producing and delivering training in manufacturing or technical environments.

  • Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, or a related field.

  • Experience creating training for defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems.

  • Experience facilitating live or virtual training sessions for end users or technical teams.

  • Experience conducting skills gap analyses or training needs assessments on a production floor.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment

• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports

• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies

• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

• Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline