CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR

About the role

The Certified Weld Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of welded components and fabrications in our manufacturing operations. This position involves performing visual and nondestructive examinations of welds, verifying adherence to codes, standards, and customer specifications, and supporting continuous improvement in welding processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual inspections (VT) and other nondestructive testing (NDT) methods on welds and welded assemblies to ensure conformance with applicable codes (e.g., AWS D1.1, ASME), customer specifications, and internal procedures.
• Review and approve Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and welder performance qualifications.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, and technical specifications to verify proper joint preparation, fit-up, and final weld quality (including size, appearance, and defects).
• Document inspection results, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports on weld quality, nonconformances, and corrective actions.
• Identify and report defects or deviations; collaborate with production teams on root cause analysis and implementation of corrective/preventive actions.
• Witness or oversee welder qualification testing and material verification as needed.
• Participate in internal audits, process improvements, and quality meetings to support overall quality management system (QMS) objectives.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and promote a culture of quality and safety in the manufacturing environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support manufacturing quality goals.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in welding technology, materials science, or a related field preferred.
• Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification required (or equivalent recognized credential).
• Additional NDT certifications (e.g., ASNT Level II in MT, PT, or UT) preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in welding inspection, quality control, or fabrication within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with structural steel, pressure vessels, or heavy fabrication welding processes.
• Thorough knowledge of welding processes (e.g., SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW), metallurgy, and common weld defects.
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings, codes, and standards.
• Proficiency with weld inspection tools and gauges (e.g., fillet weld gauges, calipers, micrometers).
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to make objective, data-driven decisions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and interacting with cross-functional teams.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high ethical and professional standards.
• Able to stand, walk, and move around the manufacturing floor for extended periods.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and perform inspections in various positions (including overhead or confined spaces when required).
• Exposure to manufacturing environment with noise, dust, and varying temperatures; appropriate PPE required.
• Vision requirements consistent with AWS CWI standards (including color vision for defect identification).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in welding technology, materials science, or a related field preferred.
• Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification required (or equivalent recognized credential).
• Additional NDT certifications (e.g., ASNT Level II in MT, PT, or UT) preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in welding inspection, quality control, or fabrication within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with structural steel, pressure vessels, or heavy fabrication welding processes.
• Thorough knowledge of welding processes (e.g., SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW), metallurgy, and common weld defects.
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings, codes, and standards.
• Proficiency with weld inspection tools and gauges (e.g., fillet weld gauges, calipers, micrometers).
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to make objective, data-driven decisions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and interacting with cross-functional teams.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high ethical and professional standards.
• Able to stand, walk, and move around the manufacturing floor for extended periods.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and perform inspections in various positions (including overhead or confined spaces when required).
• Exposure to manufacturing environment with noise, dust, and varying temperatures; appropriate PPE required.
• Vision requirements consistent with AWS CWI standards (including color vision for defect identification).