Coatings Inspector

S&Me, Inc.; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 64,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision plans with HS

ESOP with 5% company contribution

401(k) with employer match

PTO with rollover

Maternity/Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Company vehicle & fuel card

Credential incentive programs

$2,000 referral bonuses

Job summary

S&ME, Inc. is seeking a Coatings Inspector in Wilmington, North Carolina, to ensure the structural integrity of steel in field projects. You will visually inspect bolted and welded connections and work at heights above 200 feet with fall protection gear.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED and 3+ years of NDT/NDE or an associated degree, with relevant certifications such as AMPP CIP and ASNT Level II. Travel and overtime are common, with comprehensive benefits and ESOP.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years of NDT/NDE metals testing, surface preparation, and industrial coating application experience or an associate degree.
• Active industry-related certifications: AMPP Level I or II CIP; ASNT Level II per ASNT-SNT-TC-1A in at least one method.
• Additional certifications are a plus: ICC Building/Structural Steel Inspection; Level II for UT, PT, MT; AWS CWI.

Responsibilities

• Site inspection of surface preparation activities by contractors.
• Juggle testing assignments across projects and contribute to each project.
• Maintain and calibrate testing equipment; manage inventories and audits.
• Craft detailed reports to communicate findings clearly.

Skills

NDT/NDE metals testing

Coatings inspection

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate degree in a related field

AMPP CIP Certification Level I/II

ASNT Level II (SNT-TC-1A)

ICC Building/Structural Steel Inspection

AWS CWI Certification

Job description

Coatings Inspector

Requisition Number: 2026-1060-09

S&M E is looking for an individual passionate about ensuring the structural integrity of steel to join our Metals team out of Wilmington, North Carolina, as a Coatings Inspector. With no two days alike, you'll build skills that matter and leave your mark on the safety of the structures that shape our community.

Build Your Career. Own Your Future.

At S&M E, you're more than just an employee; you're an employee-owner of a 100% employee-owned company that has been solving complex geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials testing challenges for over 50 years. We're invested in your success and offer a career path with growth opportunities, training, and hands-on experience. Join a team that values safety, integrity, and teamwork while offering industry-leading benefits designed to help you thrive - on and off the job, including but not limited to:

• Medical, dental & vision plans with HSA and FSA options
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a minimum 5% company contribution
• 401(k) with employer match
• PTO with rollover
• Maternity/Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company vehicle & fuel card for project-based work
• Employee recognition & credential incentive programs
• $2,000 referral bonuses and more!

Your Role: Hands-On, Impactful, and Fast-Paced

As a Coatings Inspector, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of our projects by visually inspecting structural steel, including bolted and welded connections. You'll be engaged in fieldwork that may involve safely climbing steel structures such as buildings, cell phone towers, and water tanks to heights exceeding 200 feet, using fall protection equipment and personal fall arrest systems.

What You'll Do:

• Site Inspection: Observe, document, and record surface preparation activities performed by contractors.
• Project Testing Assignments: Juggle testing assignments across projects, contributing to the success of each endeavor.
• Equipment Maintenance and Calibration: Maintain testing equipment in working order and calibration; can include managing field and laboratory equipment inventories, formal calibration records, and participating in quality systems audits.
• Report Creation: Craft detailed reports to effectively communicate findings.

This position may require working 50+ hours per week (during periods of peak workload), as well as off-shift and weekend work, as needed. Experience in Safety, DDC, NDT, and Radiation Training, including the use of fall protection equipment and personal fall arrest systems, is a plus.

What We're Looking For:

• High School Diploma/GED
• A minimum of 3 years of NDT/NDE metals testing, surface preparation, and industrial coating application experience OR an associate degree in a closely related field
• Active industry-related certifications:
  • AMPP Level I or Level II CIP Certification
  • Achievement of ASNT Level II certification per ASNT-SNT-TC-1A in at least one method
• Additional certifications, a plus:
  • ICC certification in Building Inspections and/or Structural Steel Inspection
  • Level II for UT, PT, MT certification
  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification or working towards

What to Expect:

With the use of Company-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Working the majority of the time outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Climbing heights over 200 feet
• Routinely lifting and carrying 40-50 lbs. of materials and equipment
• Safely handling field tools and maneuvering equipment on active construction sites
• Working outside of normal business hours and traveling (typically out-of-town and/or overnight) as project needs arise

Why Join S&M E?

At S&M E, your career growth matters. You'll receive professional training, work on exciting projects, and join a company that truly invests in its people. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry.

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&M E reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. We do not accept candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins.