Certified Welding Inspector

UES; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is seeking a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to join our Richmond, Virginia team. In this regional, field-oriented role, you’ll inspect welding work on diverse construction projects and ensure compliance with project specifications and industry standards.

You’ll review drawings, collaborate with engineers and fabricators, and pursue additional ICC certifications while supporting opportunities within the Mid-Atlantic region and data center projects in Virginia.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with a completed welding certificate program or vocational training.
• AWS or similar welding certification, preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and basic computer literacy.
• Knowledge of various welding techniques, equipment, and safety protocols.
• Adaptability and flexibility to changing schedules and hours to support business needs.
• Strong time management, mathematics, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform welding inspections on a variety of construction projects.
• Review drawings, blueprints, and project specifications.
• Partner with engineers, fabricators, and project teams to solve field challenges and maintain quality.
• Gain exposure to large data center projects throughout Virginia.
• Support projects and teams across the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Continue expanding your inspection expertise through additional certifications and development opportunities.

Skills

CWI experience

Reading drawings

Communication skills

Driver's license

Regional travel

Education

High school diploma with welding certificate

Tools

AWS certification

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Build Your CWI Career Without Living on the Road.

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Build Your CWI Career Without Living on the Road.

UES is looking for a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to join our team in the Richmond, Virginia area. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced inspector who enjoys being in the field but wants a more centralized, regional position rather than a travel-based role.

You’ll support exciting projects throughout Virginia, including large-scale data center projects, while primarily working from the Richmond area. The role also provides opportunities for regional travel to surrounding Mid-Atlantic offices, including Chantilly, VA (DC area), Raleigh, NC, Charlotte, NC, Charleston, SC, and Greenville, SC.

What You’ll Work On

As a CWI, you’ll play an important role in helping ensure the quality and integrity of welded structures. You’ll work alongside project teams, engineers, fabricators, and field leaders to help deliver work that meets project specifications and industry standards.

You’ll Have The Opportunity To

• Perform welding inspections on a variety of construction projects
• Review drawings, blueprints, and project specifications
• Partner with engineers, fabricators, and project teams to solve field challenges and maintain quality
• Gain exposure to large data center projects throughout Virginia
• Support projects and teams across the Mid-Atlantic region
• Continue expanding your inspection expertise through additional certifications and development opportunities

Responsibilities

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings strong technical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work successfully with both field and project teams. The underlying job description also calls for knowledge of welding techniques and safety practices, adaptability to changing project needs, problem-solving skills, and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Key Qualifications

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) experience
• Knowledge of welding methods, inspection practices, and construction safety
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and project specifications
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regionally as project needs require

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

If you enjoy CWI inspection work but are ready for less time on the road and more connection to a regional team, this role offers a compelling next step.

You’ll Get

• Richmond, VA home base
• Exposure to major Virginia data center projects
• Regional rather than nationwide travel
• Opportunities to earn additional ICC certifications
• Experience across a diverse Mid-Atlantic project portfolio
• A path to keep growing your technical inspection career

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with a completed welding certificate program or vocational training.
• American Welding Society (AWS) or similar welding certification, preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and basic computer literacy.
• Knowledge of various welding techniques, equipment, and safety protocols.
• Adaptability and flexibility to changing schedules and hours to support business needs.
• Strong time management, mathematics, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• ICC Steel & Bolting Certification

Travel Requirements

This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:
  • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
  • Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
  • Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.
• The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:
  • Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
  • Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
  • Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
  • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here