Pipefitter

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:

Install, maintain, repair, and test ship piping systems, including steam, hot water, hydraulic, air, and oil lines. Read and interpret complex blueprints and specifications. Lay out pipe systems, cut/thread/bend pipes, install supports, and connect piping to equipment. Repair and adjust valves and perform pressure/leak testing. Work independently with minimal supervision.

Explore the Depth of the Role: 

Install, maintain, and repair shipboard piping systems, including steam, hot water, hydraulic, air pressure, and oil lines.

Read and interpret complex blueprints, drawings, and technical specifications.

Plan and lay out pipe sections around holes, equipment, and other obstructions.

Cut and bore holes through bulkheads and decks for pipe installation.

Cut, thread, and prepare pipes and fittings using shop machinery and hand tools.

Bend pipes to required shapes and dimensions.

Install and secure pipe brackets and supports by bolting or welding.

Connect piping to pumps, tanks, radiators, laundry and galley equipment, and other fixtures.

Solder and seal pipe joints to ensure proper connections.

Repair, pack, adjust, and maintain valves.

Perform hydrostatic and other pressure tests to identify leaks and verify system specifications.

Troubleshoot piping systems and correct installation or performance issues.

Perform work independently with minimal to no supervision while following safety and quality requirements.

Mission Readiness:   

• 5+ years of pipefitting experience.
• Advanced-level experience performing pipefitting duties.
• Experience working with shipboard piping systems is strongly relevant.
• Advanced pipefitting skills.
• Blueprint and specification interpretation.
• Pipe cutting, threading, bending, and installation.
• Welding, soldering, and use of hand/shop tools.
• Valve repair and adjustment.
• Hydrostatic and pressure testing.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of shipboard piping systems and equipment.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Additional technical/vocational training in pipefitting is beneficial but not explicitly required.

Travel Requirements:

N/A

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
• 401K 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 [email protected] 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.