Welder Team Lead

Keel; Ladson (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefit Package

401(k) Match

HSA/FSA

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Certification Sponsorship

Shift Differentials

Overtime Potential

On-the-Job Training

Career Growth

Job summary

Keel in Ladson, SC, is seeking a skilled Welder Lead to oversee fabrication teams and ensure timely, high‑quality parts for defense and shipbuilding projects. You will lead shifts, mentor Welder I/II, and work from blueprints and welding procedures to maintain workmanship standards.

You will also drive 5S housekeeping, safety, and continuous improvement while coordinating with Production Control, Quality, and Safety to achieve throughput goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and NAVSEA experience required.
• Welding certification preferred and Pegasus WWT training beneficial.
• Successfully completed welding tests (FCAW, GMAW etc.) and can read weld procedures.
• Ability to coach/mentor a team and drive safety and quality on the shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate activities of fabrication workers to expedite material flow and produce quality parts.
• Mentor Welder I and II; promote safety and professional conduct on the floor.
• Read blueprints, job travelers, welding procedures, and joint surface indexes.
• Set up welding equipment, troubleshoot, and ensure 5S housekeeping.
• Conduct pre-shift safety briefings and document production goals and performance.
• Collaborate with Production Control, Quality, and Safety to meet throughput targets.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Safety focus

Quality improvement

Education

High school diploma or GED

Welding certification

Pegasus Welder Workmanship Training

Tools

Welding equipment

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 with leading and coordinating activities of fabrication workers engaged in expediting flow of material, parts and assemblies within the fabrication department while making quality parts, according to work instructions.

Explore The Depth Of The Role

• Assist with leading, mentoring, and developing Welder I and II.
• Performs job safely. Ensures personal safety and the safety of subordinates; understands how machines work and how to operate them safely; knowledge of emergency stops; and personal protective equipment in each work area.
• Assist the supervisor in managing that daily expectations are being met to accomplish throughput goals for the shift.
• Perform daily audits of team members for procedural compliance.
• Read and interpret job travelers, blueprints, drawings, welding procedures, and joint surface index.
• Advanced welding machine setup and troubleshooting.
• Advanced knowledge of grinding, gouging, and weld repair.
• Deliver and receive constructive criticism, apply lessons learned, and consistently show improvement in all areas.
• Conducts pre-shift brief on Safety issues and production goals for the shift.
• Assist supervisor with project documentation being completed accurately.
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely, both orally and written.
• Minimize Production downtime by elevating any issues to the supervisor immediately.
• Maintain a respectful and professional approach while leading / motivating the team.
• Promote a culture of mentoring & development.
• Help enforce all company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a respectful and professional approach while leading / motivating the team.
• Drive housekeeping within your team / 5S.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Mission Readiness:

• High school diploma or GED. Successful completion of an accredited weld training program or equivalent, plus 3 or more years of demonstrated NAVSEA experience.
• Welding Certification from an accredited weld training program or technical program preferred.
• Successful completion of 10 weld tests: FCAW (2G, 3G, and 4G); GWAW-Pulsed (2G, 3G, and 4G); GMAW-Spray (2G); GMAW-Pulsed Alloys (2G, 3G, and 4G).
• Successful completion of Pegasus Welder Workmanship Training (WWT).
• Must have detailed knowledge of manufacturing welded steel products.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment safely and independently.
• Ability to effectively communicate with cross functional groups (Production Control, Quality, Safety, etc.)
• Must be able to build a High Performing Team and always lead by example.
• Must have the ability to coach / mentor the work force in trade skills.
• Must be able to collect and display performance data on the shop floor with your supervisor to aid in personnel decisions.

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 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans