Quality Inspector - Mechanical - Welding

For almost 30 years, SQA Services has been a premier leader in managed supplier quality services, delivering audits, assessments, remote surveillance, corrective actions, remediation, inspections, and engineering to manufacturers across all industries. Our associates are expert quality assurance professionals with broad experience and local knowledge, deployed throughout the United States and in 90+ countries.

About the role

We are seeking a detail-oriented Welding Inspector to ensure the quality, compliance, and integrity of welded components and assemblies. This is a contract position for the next 6 months, requiring on-site work 4 days a week: 2 days in Seattle and 2 days in Spokane, with travel expenses covered.

This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles. The candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Responsibilities

• Perform visual inspection (VT) of structural welds in accordance with AWS D1.1 acceptance criteria
• Evaluate weld workmanship and surface condition
• Identify weld discontinuities including:
  • Cracks
  • Undercut
  • Porosity
  • Overlap
  • Incomplete fusion indications
  • Arc strikes
  • Excessive reinforcement
  • Crater defects
• Verify weld profiles, weld size, and contour requirements
• Inspect fillet welds, groove welds, CJP and PJP welds
• Review and verify approved WPS documentation
• Confirm welder qualifications and continuity records
• Verify welding processes and consumables comply with approved procedures
• Review fabrication drawings and weld symbols
• Ensure inspection requirements are properly flowed down
• Perform pre-weld, in-process, and final inspections
• Verify fit-up, joint preparation, alignment, and cleanliness
• Monitor workmanship during fabrication activities
• Verify repairs and rework activities meet acceptance criteria
• Coordinate with NDE personnel when required
• Generate inspection reports and nonconformance documentation
• Document weld findings accurately and clearly
• Provide objective disposition recommendations
• Support corrective action and root cause investigations
• Maintain inspection records and traceability documentation
• Perform source inspections at supplier facilities when required
• Support supplier quality evaluations and audits
• Communicate technical concerns professionally with suppliers and customers
• Assist in process improvement and workmanship standardization activities

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Technical training in welding inspection preferred
• Minimum 3–5 years of structural welding inspection experience preferred
• Experience inspecting structural steel fabrication and welded assemblies
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • AWS D1.1 requirements
  • AWS B1.11 visual inspection practices
  • Weld symbols and fabrication drawings
  • Welding processes: FCAW, GMAW, SMAW, GTAW (preferred)
  • Structural steel fabrication practices
  • Weld gauges and inspection tools
  • Weld discontinuities and workmanship evaluation

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• VT Level II certification
• NDE certifications (MT/PT preferred)
• OSHA safety training
• Structural steel fabrication experience