Weld Inspector

Navantia UK; Belfast; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company pension

Learning & development opportunities

Collaborative working environment

Job summary

Navantia UK in Belfast is seeking a Level 2 Welding Inspector to join the Fabrication Projects team on a full-time basis. The ideal candidate will have a background in fabrication and welding and hold a current Level 2 certificate, with exposure to shipbuilding standards.

Key duties include visual inspection of welded joints, verification of weld preparations and dimensions, and maintaining quality documentation while liaising with welders and supervisors to resolve issues.

Qualifications

• Background in fabrication and welding required.
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
• Familiar with welding codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual inspection of welded joints before, during, and after welding operations.
• Verify weld preparations, fit-up, alignment, dimensions and joint configurations.
• Inspect weld profiles, sizes, penetration and workmanship.
• Record non-conformances and assist with corrective actions.
• Maintain weld traceability records and inspection logs.
• Support coordination of NDT activities where required.

Skills

Welding processes

Fabrication practices

Drawings interpretation

Inspection techniques

Communication skills

Education

BTEC/NVQ 3 in related engineering

CSWIP 3.1 / PCN level 2 Welding Inspector

Understanding shipbuilding rules

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Welding inspection tools

Job description

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, security and energy transition ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state‑of‑the‑art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state‑owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well‑positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Job Description

To support the continued growth in Fabrication Projects, the Belfast Operations team has an opportunity for a Level 2 Welding Inspector to join their team on a full‑time basis. The ideal candidate will have a background in fabrication & welding and hold a current Level 2 certificate. This is a great opportunity for someone to progress their skills and further their career within the company.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Perform visual inspection of welded joints before, during, and after welding operations.
• Verify weld preparations, fit‑up, alignment, dimensions, and joint configurations.
• Inspect weld profiles, weld sizes, penetration, distortion, and overall workmanship.
• Identify welding defects including:
  • Cracking
  • Porosity
  • Undercut
  • Lack of fusion
  • Slag inclusions
  • Overlap
  • Excessive reinforcement
• Ensure compliance with approved:
  • Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
  • Inspection & Test Plans (ITP)
  • Engineering drawings
  • Client specifications
  • Applicable codes and standards
• Complete inspection reports and quality documentation accurately.
• Maintain weld traceability records and inspection logs.
• Record non‑conformances and assist with corrective actions.
• Verify material identification and heat number traceability where required.
• Support compilation of Client quality documentation packs and MRB’s.
• Liaise with welders and supervisors regarding quality concerns and repair requirements.
• Monitor fabrication activities to ensure compliance with procedures and standards.
• Participate in weld repair verification and reinspection activities.
• Assist with coordination of NDT activities where required.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives relating to welding quality and productivity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Welding processes:
  • FCAW
  • GMAW/MIG
  • SMAW
  • GTAW/TIG
  • SAW
• Fabrication and welding practices
• Welding symbols and engineering drawings
• Dimensional inspection techniques
• Common welding codes and standards such as:
  • ISO 3834
  • EN 1090
  • ISO 5817
  • Lloyds Register
  • IACS

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• BTEC/NVQ 3 in related engineering discipline
• CSWIP 3.1 / PCN level 2 Welding Inspector
• Understanding/experience of shipbuilding classification rules and specifications
• Strong knowledge of welding techniques, materials and industry standards
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Proficiency in using inspection tools and equipment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to safety and quality excellence
• Good level of IT experience using Microsoft Word and Excel
• Other PCN & inspection qualifications may be considered

Additional Information

• The chance to work on complex, cutting‑edge naval projects
• Competitive salary
• Company pension
• Learning & development opportunities to keep building your career.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.

Equal Opportunity

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed.

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role online please contact us at [e-mail] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.