Welder

Description

Title
:
Welder I

Location
:
Ladson, SC

Employment Type
:
Full-Time

About the Role

Keel is seeking skilled Welders to support fabrication of critical assemblies for Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarines, as well as Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. This role performs welding in accordance with NAVSEA and AWS D1.1 specifications in a highly regulated defense manufacturing environment. Candidates must be able to pass required weld tests and internal qualifications.

What You'll Do

• Weld pre-fitted assemblies in all positions with minimal defects
• Perform FCAW, GMAW-Pulsed, and GMAW-Spray welding in accordance with NAVSEA and AWS D1.1 standards
• Set up welding machines and perform basic troubleshooting
• Read and interpret welding symbols and structural blueprints
• Perform grinding, gouging, and weld repairs as needed
• Determine correct welding method and equipment based on job requirements
• Ensure work meets quality, safety, and production standards
• Complete work within budget and established timelines
• Follow all safety protocols in hazardous and high-compliance environments
• Travel occasionally between plants as required

Must-Have Skills and Experience (These are required for consideration.)

• High school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of one of the following:
• Accredited trade school welding program, or
• Minimum 2 years of demonstrated AWS D1.1 welding experience, or
• Equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience
• Ability to successfully complete 7 weld tests:
• FCAW (2G, 3G, 4G)
• GMAW-Pulsed (2G, 3G, 4G)
• GMAW-Spray (2G)
• Ability to pass Welder Workmanship Training (WWT)
• Ability to complete Welder I Performance Qualification Standards within 90 days of hire
• Ability to read and interpret welding symbols and complex blueprints
• Comfortable working in a hazardous, high-noise, high-heat manufacturing environment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods

Nice-to-Have Skills (These are preferred but not required.)

• Prior NAVSEA welding experience or certification
• Shipbuilding or heavy steel fabrication experience
• Experience working in military, government, or defense-regulated environments
• Experience with submarine or aircraft carrier assemblies

Who You Are

• Safety-first mindset with strong attention to detail
• Takes pride in producing high-quality welds with minimal defects
• Open to constructive feedback and continuous improvement
• Reliable, focused, and able to stay on task in a fast-paced environment
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills
• Willing to work overtime when project demands require it

Additional Details

•

Schedule:

• 1st Shift: Monday-Thursday, 6:00 AM-4:30 PM (3 openings)
• 2nd Shift: Monday-Thursday, 5:00 PM-3:30 AM (2 openings)

• Salary Range:
Starting at $26.50/hr, increases based on experience

• Travel:
Occasional travel between facilities as needed

•

Certifications:

Must pass 7 required weld tests; NAVSEA preferred for experienced welders

Benefits:

• PTO begins Day 1 (prorated, front-loaded)
• Benefits begin on Day 91
• Medical (Blue Choice), Dental (Guardian), Vision (VSP)
• HSA, FSA, Telehealth, EAP
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 9 standard holidays plus 1 floating holiday