Fabrication Supervisor at Keel – Ladson, South Carolina

The Fabrication Supervisor oversees daily operations in the fabrication department, including welding, fitting, and assembly of structural steel and other metal components. This role ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards, drawings, and customer specifications. The Fabrication Supervisor provides leadership, technical guidance, and direction to welders, fitters, and helpers while coordinating with production management, engineering, and quality teams to meet schedule and cost objectives.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of welders, fitters, and support personnel in the fabrication shop.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign work based on production schedules, manpower, and material availability.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with blueprints, fabrication drawings, Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), and company standards.
• Inspect fabricated assemblies for quality, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with specifications.
• Monitor progress to ensure timely completion of projects while maintaining productivity and cost targets.
• Provide technical direction and hands-on assistance in welding and fitting when necessary.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate employees to improve skills, quality, and efficiency.
• Enforce company safety policies, ensuring a safe working environment and proper use of PPE and tools.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality control, and project management to resolve production or technical issues.
• Maintain records of production, labor hours, rework, and material usage.
• Recommend process improvements, tooling needs, and equipment maintenance schedules.
• Support onboarding and certification of new welders and fitters in accordance with company and AWS standards.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training in welding/fabrication preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in structural fabrication, including 3+ years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Multiple process welding certifications and/or experience with certified welders preferred.
• Experience with heavy steel fabrication, DOD, or industrial projects is a plus.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of structural fabrication, welding processes (FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, SMAW), and fitting practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, structural drawings, and WPS documents.
• Understanding of weld symbols, joint configurations, and fabrication tolerances.
• Familiarity with AWS D1.1 or similar codes and quality inspection requirements.
• Proficiency with measuring tools, fit-up gauges, and layout instruments.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage workflow, personnel, and materials in a fast-paced production environment.
• Working knowledge of shop safety standards and OSHA regulations.

Competencies:

• Upholds Safety and Quality Standards
• Embodies Team Spirit
• Relentless Customer Focus
• Conveys Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
• Executes with Excellence and Velocity
• Inspires Team Members
• Communicates Effectively
• Resolves Problems
• Elevates Those Around Them

Travel Requirements:

Ability to travel out of state for training as needed.

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.

Work Environment:

• Exposure is frequent to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles - eye protection is required, and fumes, machine vibration, and noisy conditions, high temperatures, and occasional to a restricted space work area.
• All Keel locations are tobacco free where appropriate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Keel provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, status as a protected veteran or spouse thereof, height, weight, marital or familial status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, Keel complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which Keel has facilities.

To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Keel will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, recruitment advertising, hiring, job assignment, promotion, demotion, discipline, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, or rates of pay, benefits, and selection for training. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity or age limitations will be adhered to by Keel where appropriate.

Management retains the right to add to, or change, the responsibilities and/or duties of this position at any time including the elimination of this position. The team member understands that his/her job description is for operational purposes and is not intended to be an employment contract. The employment relationship remains “at-will.”