Compound Press Technician I

Keel; Goose Creek (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401K match

HSA/FSA

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Internal referral program

Shift differential

Overtime potential

Paid on the job training

Certification sponsorship

Career growth

Team events

Job summary

Keel in Goose Creek, SC, is seeking an entry-level Compound Press Technician I to support forming operations. You will prepare materials, assist machine operators, and help maintain tooling and templates to keep production running smoothly.

This role includes hands-on training in compound forming, blueprint interpretation, forklift operation, and CNC routing of wooden templates, with a focus on safety, quality, and teamwork as you grow toward machine operation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Forklift certification required or ability to obtain certification.
• Ability to read and learn blueprint interpretation.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Lay out forming lines using blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Assist with quality verification using wooden templates and box molds.
• Repair and maintain wooden box molds and templates as needed.
• Operate a forklift to move materials, tooling, and finished parts within the production area.
• Operate the CNC router to cut wooden templates and fixtures.
• Form simple parts as assigned.
• Assist with tooling changes and machine setup.
• Prepare materials and tooling to reduce machine downtime.
• Maintain organized work areas using 5S principles.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately.
• Follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE.
• Support production, quality, and maintenance teams as needed.

Skills

Blueprint interpretation

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

CNC router operating

Wooden templates handling

Job description

Description

Built on Experience. Built for Skill. Built for You.

Keel was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands-on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.

That means when you join Keel, you're joining a team backed by decades of proven craftsmanship and real-world results.

We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions - and we do it with pride.

Your Mission:

The Compound Press Technician I is an entry-level position responsible for supporting compound forming operations by preparing materials, assisting machine operators, and performing general production tasks that improve machine uptime and workflow efficiency. This role provides hands-on training in compound forming processes while developing the skills necessary to advance into machine operation. The primary objective is to reduce machine downtime by ensuring tooling, materials, templates, and work areas are prepared before production begins.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

• Lay out forming lines using blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Assist with quality verification using wooden templates and box molds.
• Repair and maintain wooden box molds and templates as needed.
• Operate a forklift to move materials, tooling, and finished parts within the production area.
• Operate the CNC router to cut wooden templates and fixtures.
• Form simple parts as assigned.
• Assist with tooling changes and machine setup.
• Prepare materials and tooling to reduce machine downtime.
• Maintain organized work areas using 5S principles.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately.
• Follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE.
• Support production, quality, and maintenance teams as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Mission Readiness:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Forklift certification required or ability to obtain certification.
• Ability to read and learn blueprint interpretation.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• Willingness to learn compound forming operations.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment.
• Basic computer and documentation skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials as required.
• Willingness to learn CNC equipment and forming operations.

Travel Requirements:

• Rare but may occur

Physical Requirements:

• May be required to stand, walk, sit, reach/pull/push with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel regularly.
• May lift or carry 50lbs. Weights exceeding 50lbs will require mechanical means to maneuver.

Become a part of our Builders and you too can...

• Uphold Safety and Quality Standards
• Embody Team Spirit
• Relentless Customer Focus
• Convey Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
• Execute with Excellence and Velocity

What Keel will build for you:

• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• Competitive Pay
• 401K Match
• HSA/FSA
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities
• Shift Differentials
• Overtime Potential
• Paid on the Job Training
• Certification Sponsorship Opportunities
• Committed to Individual Career Growth
• We Do Fun Things, Plus More!

Need Assistance?

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the employment process, please email [e-mail] with details about your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests are reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis. Please note that this email address is monitored only for inquiries related to reasonable accommodation requests.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What we build, builds us.