NDT Trainee

KEEL; Ladson (SC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefit Package

Competitive Pay

401(k) Match

HSA/FSA

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Certification Sponsorship

Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities

Job summary

Keel is seeking an NDT Trainee to learn visual, magnetic particle and dye penetrant testing, supporting inspections across production stages. You will gain hands-on experience under supervision, with a clear path to NDT Level II certification.

The role emphasizes safety, data collection, and adherence to quality standards while building foundational skills in NDT methods. Travel between facilities is occasional; strong organization and problem-solving help you succeed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Some education, training, and experience understanding the principles and procedures of NDT methods preferred.
• Well-organized with good communication abilities, industrious, hardworking, and possessing sound problem solving abilities. Must also be capable of passing vision/color testing.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in technical and/or mechanical related position or related degree.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing visual, magnetic particle and dye penetrant examinations.
• Learn and support testing and inspection of products at various production stages in compliance with codes and standards.
• Prioritize safety and environmental issues at all times.
• Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability.
• Gain on-the-job hours toward NDT Level II certification under supervision.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem solving

Organized

Vision testing

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NDT methods training/education

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:

Assist in performing visual, magnetic particle and dye penetrant examinations in accordance with written procedures. Learn and support the testing and inspection of products that will be performed at various stages of the production process in compliance with applicable codes, standards, or other specified requirements. Places safety and environmental issues as a priority at all times. Helps compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products. The intent of an NDT Trainee is to become NDT Level II Certified. This position allows the individual to gain the required on the job hours, learn the methods and to become NDT Level II Certified.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

• Work alongside NDT Level II Inspector to learn the NDT process and prepare for certification. Trainees shall obtain work experience only under direct observation of a Level II, Level III, or instructor in the same method. Trainees shall not independently conduct tests, make accept or reject decisions, or perform any other NDT functions.
• Works to understand, comply and support corporate safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environment.
• Responsible for following housekeeping and 5‑S initiatives in the quality department.
• Shall work to have a practical knowledge of all production processes.
• Become familiar with applicable industry standards specifications and procedures.
• Learn to interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams and confer with management to employ appropriate quality codes and standards.
• Work with NDT Level II Inspector to select products for test at specific stages in the production process, and test products for a variety of qualities including dimensions, performance, and mechanical characteristics.
• Assist in recording test data and applying statistical methods as appropriate.
• Help evaluate data and complete reports to validate or indicate deviations from existing standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Mission Readiness:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Some education, training, and experience understanding the principles and procedures of NDT methods preferred.
• Well‑organized with good communication abilities, industrious, hardworking, and possessing sound problem solving abilities. Must also be capable of passing vision/color testing.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in technical and/or mechanical related position or related degree.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel between facilities, as business needs require.

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 50 lbs. Weights exceeding 50 lbs 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.