Welder

Keel; Alma (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

HSA/FSA

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Certification sponsorship

Shift differentials

Overtime potential

Paid on the job training

Job summary

Keel is seeking a Welder to join our skilled team in Michigan. You will perform welding across multiple processes (GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SMAW) and various cutting methods from blueprints, under supervision as needed.

Expect on‑the‑job training and opportunities for growth through continued skill development. Levels I–III progressively expand responsibilities, including understanding AWS requirements, interpreting Welding Procedure Specifications, and advanced blueprint reading.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Technical training or equivalent experience (Level I+).
• Ability to pass criminal background and drug screening.
• Willingness to learn, work in a team, and accept feedback on quality.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate components from blueprints using GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SMAW and cutting processes.
• Read weld symbols and welding procedure specifications; set machine parameters under supervision.
• Maintain welding supplies, equipment and work environment; ensure safety and quality.
• Assist and train Level I and II welders as needed; perform on-the-job training.

Skills

GMAW

FCAW

GTAW

SMAW

Oxy-fuel cutting

Plasma arc cutting

Blueprint reading

Welding procedure specifications

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical training or equivalent experience

Tools

Grinders

Tape measure

Chipping hammers

Personal protective equipment

Job description

Description

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, defence 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 four 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 understanding of the 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, aluminium, 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

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Technical training or equivalent experience of less than one year or up to two years for Level I; two or more years for Level II, and five or more 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 50 lbs. Weights exceeding 50 lbs. will require mechanical means to maneuver.

Be part of our Builders

• 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!

Accommodation Request

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 / Disabilities / Protected Veterans

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What we build, builds us.

What we build, builds us.