Welder

Keel; Ladson (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Competitive pay

401(k) match

HSA/FSA

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Referral bonus

Shift differentials

Overtime potential

On‑the‑job training

Certification sponsorship

Career growth

Team events

Job summary

Keel is seeking skilled welders to join our team focused on high‑quality fabrication for naval and defense applications. You will weld pre‑fitted assemblies for Columbia‑class and other submarines, following NAVSEA and AWS D1.1 standards.

The role requires reading welding symbols, setting up and troubleshooting welding equipment, and maintaining strict safety protocols in an industrial setting. Join Keel and contribute to critical missions with pride.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or completion of accredited welding program.
• Successful completion of 7 weld tests: FCAW and GMAW variants.
• Pegasus Welder Workmanship Training (WWT) completed.

Responsibilities

• Weld proficiently in all positions with minimal defects.
• Read and interpret welding symbols.
• Set up basic welding equipment and troubleshoot.
• Maintain safety protocols in an industrial environment.
• Complete jobs within budget and timeline.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Welding

Reading welding symbols

Equipment setup

Quality control

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Trade school welding program

AWS D1.1 experience (2+ years)

Tools

Welding equipment

Pegasus WWT training

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:

Welding of various pre‑fitted assemblies for Columbia‑class submarines, Virginia‑class submarines, Gerald R. Ford‑class aircraft carriers, and associated fixtures. Work is performed in accordance with NAVSEA and/or AWS D1.1 specifications.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

• Weld proficiently in all positions with minimal defects.
• Determine the correct equipment to use and method based on the requirements.
• Basic welding machine setup and troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret welding symbols.
• Basic knowledge of grinding, gouging, and weld repair.
• Ability to always stay focused and on‑task.
• Complete jobs within budget and timeline.
• Accept constructive criticism, apply lessons learned, and consistently show improvement in all areas.
• Familiar and complies with all safety requirements and protocols for working in an industrial environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Mission Readiness:

• High school diploma or GED preferred; or Successful completion of an accredited trade school welding program or equivalent; or 2‑years demonstrated practical AWS D1.1 welding experience; or a comparable combination of education and experience.
• Successful completion of 7 weld tests: FCAW (2G, 3G, and 4G); GWAW‑Pulsed (2G, 3G, and 4G); GMAW‑Spray (2G).
• Successful completion of Pegasus Welder Workmanship Training (WWT).

Travel Requirements:

• None

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 Professionality
• 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.

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