Talent Acquisition Partner

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:

The Talent Acquisition Partner is responsible for full-cycle recruiting with a primary focus on hourly skilled trades roles, while also supporting select salaried and professional positions as needed. This role partners closely with hiring managers to understand workforce needs, develops effective sourcing strategies for skilled trades talent, and ensures a strong candidate experience in a fast-paced hiring environment.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

• Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly skilled trades roles including (but not limited to): Welders, Fabricators, CNC Programmers, CNC Machinists, Laser Trackers, Quality Technicians, NDT Level II Inspectors, and other hourly roles
• Support Talent Acquisition for select salaried roles (e.g., supervisors, engineers, managers, or corporate positions) as needed
• Partner closely with hiring managers to understand skill requirements, certifications, shift needs, and urgency
• Develop and execute creative sourcing strategies beyond job boards (trade schools, referrals, community outreach, social platforms, networking)
• Proactively source, screen, and engage passive skilled trades candidates
• Conduct phone, virtual and in-person interviews focused on hands-on skills, safety mindset, and reliability
• Coordinate interview scheduling, offers, and pre-employment steps (backgrounds, drug screens, and physicals)
• Maintain accurate and timely data in the ATS, ensuring compliance and strong candidate communication
• Build and maintain talent pipelines for recurring and hard-to-fill skilled trades roles
• Represent the company professionally at job fairs, hiring events, and community/trade school partnerships
• Continuously assess labor market trends and recommend improvements to hiring strategies
• Provide general administrative support to the recruiting manager
• Ensure compliance with all Local, State, Federal laws and statutes including labor laws and other governmental regulations, which are directly applicable to the company
• Other related duties as required

Mission Readiness:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 2 years of recruiting experience, with direct experience hiring hourly skilled trades
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred
• Experience partnering closely with plant and operations leadership
• Experience recruiting in manufacturing, construction, industrial, or field-based environments
• Demonstrated ability to recruit across both hourly and salaried positions, with a primary focus on trades
• Strong understanding of skilled trades labor markets, certifications, and safety requirements
• Experience recruiting in fast-paced or high-volume environments
• Proficiency with ATS platforms, job boards, and direct sourcing tools
• Strong communication and stakeholder partnership skills

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel between locations required.

Physical Requirements:

• May require standing, walking, or front desk coverage for extended periods
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times (e.g., files, office supplies, etc).
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with production team members, leadership, and visitors, both verbally and in writing.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, or reach within the office setting.

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 talent@keelusa.com 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.