Fabrication Supervisor

Keel; Ladson (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefit Package

401(k) Match

HSA/FSA

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Overtime Potential

Certification Sponsorship

Job summary

Keel is seeking a Fabrication Supervisor in Ladson, SC to lead the fabrication shop. You will oversee welders, fitters, and helpers, plan daily work, and ensure all activities meet blueprints, WPS, and AWS standards.

The role requires strong leadership, hands-on welding guidance, and the ability to drive safety, quality, and efficiency while partnering with engineering and quality teams. This on-site position offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training in welding/fabrication preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years in structural fabrication, with 3+ years in lead or supervisory capacity.
• Multiple process welding certifications or experience with certified welders preferred.
• Experience with heavy steel fabrication, DOD, or industrial projects is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of welding processes (FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, SMAW) and fitting practices.
• Ability to read blueprints and WPS documents; knowledge of AWS D1.1 or similar codes.

Responsibilities

• Supervise welders, fitters, and support personnel in the fabrication shop.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign work based on production schedules and material availability.
• Ensure work follows blueprints, WPS, and company standards.
• Inspect assemblies for quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Provide hands-on welding and fitting support when needed.
• Train and mentor employees to improve skills and efficiency.
• Enforce safety policies and proper PPE usage.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and project management teams.

Skills

Leadership

Welding

Blueprint reading

Quality control

Safety compliance

Project coordination

AWS codes

Team mentoring

Education

High school diploma; welding training preferred

Tools

Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)

Measuring tools

Welding equipment

Job 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 Fabrication Supervisor oversees daily operations in the fabrication department, including welding, fitting, and assembly of structural steel and other metal components. This role ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards, drawings, and customer specifications. The Fabrication Supervisor provides leadership, technical guidance, and direction to welders, fitters, and helpers while coordinating with production management, engineering, and quality teams to meet schedule and cost objectives.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of welders, fitters, and support personnel in the fabrication shop.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign work based on production schedules, manpower, and material availability.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with blueprints, fabrication drawings, Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), and company standards.
• Inspect fabricated assemblies for quality, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with specifications.
• Monitor progress to ensure timely completion of projects while maintaining productivity and cost targets.
• Provide technical direction and hands‑on assistance in welding and fitting when necessary.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate employees to improve skills, quality, and efficiency.
• Enforce company safety policies, ensuring a safe working environment and proper use of PPE and tools.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality control, and project management to resolve production or technical issues.
• Maintain records of production, labor hours, rework, and material usage.
• Recommend process improvements, tooling needs, and equipment maintenance schedules.
• Support onboarding and certification of new welders and fitters in accordance with company and AWS standards.

Requirements

Mission Readiness:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training in welding/fabrication preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in structural fabrication, including 3+ years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Multiple process welding certifications and/or experience with certified welders preferred.
• Experience with heavy steel fabrication, DOD, or industrial projects is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of structural fabrication, welding processes (FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, SMAW), and fitting practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, structural drawings, and WPS documents.
• Understanding of weld symbols, joint configurations, and fabrication tolerances.
• Familiarity with AWS D1.1 or similar codes and quality inspection requirements.
• Proficiency with measuring tools, fit‑up gauges, and layout instruments.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage workflow, personnel, and materials in a fast‑paced production environment.
• Working knowledge of shop safety standards and OSHA regulations.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel out of state for training as needed

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
• 401(k) 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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.