Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) to join our quality team in Schaumburg, IL. This hands-on shop-floor role involves inspecting welds, ensuring compliance with customer and code requirements, training and mentoring welders, and conducting weld tests for prospective new hires.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual, in-process, and final inspection of welded components and assemblies.
• Verify welds meet customer specifications, engineering drawings, WPS/PQR requirements, and applicable AWS standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, specifications, and GD&T.
• Identify weld defects, document non-conformances, and work with Production to determine corrective actions.
• Conduct weld tests for prospective new welders and evaluate their qualifications.
• Train and mentor new and existing welders on proper welding techniques and quality expectations.
• Maintain welder qualification and testing records.
• Review and maintain WPS, PQR, and related welding documentation.
• Work closely with Welding, Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve welding quality and consistency.
• Support customer and third-party inspections.
• Assist with NDT activities and quality audits as needed.
• Participate in root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Help reduce weld rework, scrap, and customer quality issues.

Requirements

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
• 3+ years of welding inspection experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of AWS D1.1 and applicable welding standards.
• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings and weld symbols.
• Knowledge of MIG/GMAW, TIG/GTAW, FCAW, and/or SMAW welding processes.
• Understanding of WPS, PQR, and welder qualification requirements.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work directly with welders and production leadership.
• Comfortable being hands-on and visible on the shop floor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Rockstar welder.
• History of training or qualifying welders.
• Experience with AWS D1.5, ASME Section IX, or other applicable codes.
• NDT certifications such as MT, PT, UT, or VT.
• Experience in heavy equipment, structural steel, industrial machinery, or complex welded fabrication.
• ISO 9001 experience.
• Experience with dimensional inspection equipment.

Why Join Us

This is more than an inspection position. You'll have the opportunity to influence welding quality, help develop skilled welders, participate in hiring and qualification, and work directly with Production and Engineering to improve the operation. If you're a CWI who enjoys being involved in the people, process, and quality side of welding, this could be an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact.