Welder

MERRILL Technologies Group; Alma (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefit Package

401K Match

HSA/FSA

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Certification Sponsorship

Shift Differentials

Overtime Potential

On-the-Job Training

Job summary

Keel is seeking Welders at Level I–III to join a team manufacturing ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures. The role involves performing GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and SMAW with oxy-fuel, carbon arc, and plasma cutting, following Welding Procedure Specifications.

On-site training is provided and progression depends on skill and weld tests. Levels I–III offer increasing responsibility, including reading blueprints, mastering weld symbols, and using measuring tools.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Technical training or equivalent experience for levels I–III.
• Welding experience with main welding processes and cutting methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform main welding processes (GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SMAW) per Welding Procedure Specifications.
• Read blueprints and weld symbols; set parameters with supervision for Level I.
• Demonstrate advanced welding skills and cutting processes for Level II and III.
• Maintain welding supplies, equipment, and work area to required standards.

Skills

GMAW

FCAW

GTAW

SMAW

Oxy-fuel cutting

Blueprint reading

Welding symbols

Measuring tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical training or equivalent experience

Tools

Grinders

Tape measure

Chipping hammers

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:

As a Welder for Keel, you will be responsible for utilizing the for main welding processes, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and SMAW, along with oxy‑fuel cutting, carbon arc cutting, and plasma arc cutting to manufacture components from blueprints and utilizing Welding Procedure Specifications. Level I welders are considered to be in training under direct supervision of the department supervisor, while levels II and III are expected to have more advanced skills and responsibilities as listed below. All levels of welder will receive on the job training as required and necessary and are determined with a weld test and interview on site.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

Level I

• Will show basic understand of four main welding processes, as well as cutting processes described above, to perform duties.
• Should have basic understanding of weld symbols and positions as well as blueprint reading.
• Requires general knowledge of various hand tools that will be used, such as grinders, tape measure, chipping hammers, and Personal Protective equipment.
• Show a basic understanding of the differences between commonly used materials, such as carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
• Will maintain welding supplies, welding equipment, and work environment
• Will set parameters on their welding machine with guidance from the supervisor and show basic understanding of information on the Welding Procedure Specifications.

Level II

• Same as above, but will also include the following:
• Will have a basic understanding of AWS requirements.
• Will fully understand information listed on Welding Procedure Specifications.
• Will have a good understanding of weld symbols and use of weld gauges.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of blueprint reading and effectively locating information.
• Will have advanced skills in at least one of the main welding processes and advanced skills in cutting processes.
• Will be able to be proficient cutting straight lines, shapes, and bevels utilizing manual and automatic equipment and on various materials.
• Will be able to do so efficiently and with minimal supervision.

Level III

• Same as above, but will also include the following:
• Display expert skills in one of the main welding processes, as well as in cutting processes, listed above.
• Advanced knowledge of blueprint reading that pertains to weld symbols and weld callouts.
• Efficient and effective use of measuring equipment.
• Must be able to convert between fractions and decimals, and between metric and standard units.
• Good knowledge of the metallurgical effects of welding that include distortion and contamination.
• Will be able to troubleshoot and correct welding equipment issues.
• Will maintain a very low level of rework.
• Must have the aptitude to assist and train Welders level I and II.

Requirements

Mission Readiness:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Technical training or equivalent experience of less than one (1) year or up to two (2) years for level I. Two (2) or more years for level II, and 5+ years for Level III.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions from supervisor.
• Must demonstrate a willingness to learn, be part of a team environment, and receive constructive criticism with regards to quality to meet objectives.
• All candidates must be able to pass criminal background and drug screening requirements.

Available Shifts:

Day Shift: Monday – Friday 6:00 am to 4:30 pm

Night Shift: Monday – Thursday 5:00 pm–5:30 am (Shift differential does apply)

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
• Committed to Individual Career Growth
• We Do Fun Things, Plus More!

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.