Certified Welding Inspector

UES; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 48,216 - 61,992; Full time

Job summary

UES is hiring a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to ensure the quality and integrity of welded structures in field and shop environments. You will inspect, verify standards compliance, and collaborate with engineers to uphold welding best practices.

This role requires traveling up to 70% of the time, reading blueprints, and documenting findings for clients and project teams. AWS certification is preferred; a valid driver’s license and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with welding certificate program.
• AWS welding certification or similar preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record and basic computer literacy.
• Knowledge of welding techniques, equipment, and safety protocols.
• Willingness to adapt to changing schedules and hours.
• Strong time management, math skills, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine field inspections of welded structures.
• Verify compliance with codes and project specifications.
• Read maps, blueprints, and engineering plans.
• Understand structural masonry code and job specification compliance.
• Determine pre-stressed and post-tension tendons and reinforcing code compliance.
• Inspect soil, concrete, asphalt, steel and/or wood framing.
• Document field activity and report findings to clients and supervisors.
• Communicate with site contractors and project managers.
• Prepare accurate field-testing reports daily.
• Follow all safety policies and PPE requirements.
• Travel to job sites and maintain vehicle safety.

Skills

Welding knowledge

Attention to detail

Time management

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with welding certificate program

AWS welding certification preferred

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

The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a key role, responsible for ensuring the quality and integrity of welded structures by conducting inspections, verifying compliance with industry standards and project specifications, and collaborating with engineering teams to uphold welding best practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine field tests or inspections
• Complete structural concrete and reinforcing code and job specification compliance
• Read maps, blueprints, follow directions, and interpret engineering and construction plans
• Understand structural masonry code and job specification compliance
• Determine pre-stressed and post tension concrete tendons, reinforcing code and job specification compliance
• Perform inspections of soil, concrete, asphalt, steel and/or wood framing
• Determine spray-applied fireproofing code and job specification compliance
• Document accurate and detailed field activity/inspections and report findings/diagrams to the clients and supervisors
• Communicate daily with site contractors, other technicians, and project managers verbally and electronically
• Complete and prepare accurate and detailed field-testing reports daily
• Follow all safety procedures, policies and protocols
• Vehicle maintenance, inspection, and adherence to safety policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

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.

Travel Requirements

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% 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.

Posted Salary Range

USD $35.00 - $45.00 /Hr.