Structural Fabrication Lead

Kelso Industries•Duncan, SC

About The Position

Kelso Industries is seeking a hands-on Structural Fabrication Lead to direct and perform shop-floor structural steel fabrication for modular platforms, including equipment platforms, skid bases, pipe rack modules, and eHouse structures. The role leads a crew of fitters, welders, and helpers in producing accurate, code-compliant frames ready for mechanical, piping, and electrical integration. Reporting to the Superintendent – Modular Fabrication, the lead interprets drawings, plans and sequences fabrication work, sets daily crew priorities, and is accountable for fit-up accuracy, weld quality, safety, and schedule. The position also coordinates with Quality, Engineering, detailers, and other trades to resolve issues and ensure modules leave the structural bay square, level, and ready for the next production stage.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 5 years of structural steel fabrication experience, including at least 2 years in a lead or foreman role.
Proficiency in layout, fit-up, and SMAW, FCAW, and GMAW welding.
Current AWS D1.1 certification or ability to qualify.
Strong blueprint-reading skills, including structural shop drawings, weld symbols, and tolerances.
Skill with layout and measuring tools such as squares, levels, tapes, and lasers, and fabrication equipment such as torches, plasma cutters, mag drills, and grinders.
Experience operating overhead cranes and performing rigging.
Ability to lead by example and uphold a high standard of craftsmanship.
Safety-first approach, including willingness to stop work when something is not right.
Organized planning and crew coordination skills.
Clear communication with the Superintendent, Quality, Engineering, and other trades.
Ownership of the crew’s output, accuracy, and schedule.

Nice To Haves

Vocational welding or fabrication training.
Rigger or signal person certification.
Experience fabricating modular platforms, skids, or pipe rack modules.

Responsibilities

Lay out, fit, and weld structural steel for modular platforms, skid bases, pipe rack modules, stairs, ladders, handrails, and equipment supports.
Read and interpret shop drawings, assembly drawings, and cut lists to plan the build sequence.
Set up jigs, fixtures, and build tables to control squareness, flatness, and dimensional tolerances.
Verify critical dimensions before release, including diagonals, elevations, bolt hole patterns, and equipment interface points.
Lead the daily work of fitters, welders, and helpers; assign tasks and communicate priorities from the Superintendent.
Plan material staging and build sequence to keep modules on schedule and support clean handoffs to piping, mechanical, and electrical crews.
Train and mentor fitters and welders on layout, fit-up, and fabrication best practices.
Report progress, constraints, and material shortages to the Superintendent.
Ensure structural welds meet AWS D1.1 and project specifications and follow approved welding procedures.
Partner with Quality on inspections, dimensional reports, and nonconformances, correcting issues before modules move to the next stage.
Maintain project-required material traceability, including heat numbers where required.
Prepare assemblies for blasting, coating, or galvanizing according to specification.
Promote safe cutting, welding, rigging, and overhead crane practices; enforce PPE, hot-work procedures, and housekeeping.
Inspect and maintain tools, welding equipment, and rigging gear, and promptly report defects.
Work with Engineering and detailers to resolve drawing questions and fit-up issues.
Coordinate part flow from cutting and processing equipment to the structural build area.
Recommend improvements to fixturing, standard details, and sequencing to reduce rework and labor hours.