Marine QA Coatings Inspector- AMPP/NACE CIP Level 1 or Level 2 Qualification

Main Industries; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement

Job summary

Main Industries in Charleston, SC seeks a QA Coatings Inspector to oversee marine and industrial coating activities, ensuring adherence to project specs and quality requirements. You will document results, verify surface prep and coating applications, and coordinate with production teams and customers.

The role requires a CIP Level 1+ (or NBPI) certification, two years of coatings inspection experience, and strong attention to safety and quality. Competitive hourly pay and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant coatings inspection, quality assurance, marine coatings, or related industry experience.
• Current AMPP/NACE CIP Level 1 or higher certification, or SSPC NBPI qualification.
• Knowledge of marine or industrial surface preparation and protective coating processes.
• Ability to read and interpret project specifications, work packages, coating product data sheets, and quality requirements.
• Experience using common coating inspection instruments and gauges.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good computer skills and ability to accurately prepare and maintain electronic inspection documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality assurance inspections of marine and industrial surface preparation and protective coating activities.
• Inspect abrasive blasting, mechanical surface preparation, waterjetting, and other surface preparation activities as applicable to assigned projects.
• Verify surface cleanliness, surface profile, environmental conditions, coating application, and other quality requirements in accordance with project specifications.
• Inspect primers, intermediate coats, finish coats, nonskid systems, and other protective coating applications as required.
• Use appropriate inspection instruments and gauges to verify environmental conditions, surface profile, wet film thickness, dry film thickness, and other required measurements.
• Verify coating materials, batch numbers, shelf life, mixing, thinning, induction times, pot life, and application requirements when applicable.
• Review project specifications, work packages, coating manufacturer product data sheets, and applicable quality requirements.
• Document inspection results accurately and maintain complete quality records.
• Prepare daily inspection reports, deficiency reports, and other required QA documentation.
• Identify nonconforming work and communicate quality concerns promptly to supervision and project leadership.
• Coordinate with production personnel to ensure deficiencies are corrected and reinspected as required.
• Maintain calibration and verification records for inspection equipment and ensure instruments are in proper working condition.

Skills

Coatings inspection

Quality assurance

Read specs

Inspection instruments

Job description

QA Coatings Inspector- AMPP/NACE CIP Level 1 or Level 2 Qualification

Location: Charleston, SC

Job Type: Full-Time | Hourly

Build Your Career with Main Industries

For over 50 years, Main Industries has been a trusted leader in the marine and industrial services industry. From our beginnings as a premier marine coatings company, we've grown into a multi-craft leader specializing in surface preparation, protective coatings, scaffolding, and industrial access solutions.

We're seeking an experienced QA Coatings Inspector to support our marine and industrial preservation projects. This position is responsible for inspecting surface preparation and protective coating activities, documenting quality results, and helping ensure work is completed in accordance with project specifications, customer requirements, and applicable industry standards. If you're detail-oriented, safety-minded, and hold an AMPP/NACE CIP Level 1 or higher or SSPC NBPI qualification, we'd like to hear from you.

Pay: Competitive hourly pay, depending on experience, qualifications, and certifications.

Location: Charleston, SC

What You'll Do

As a QA Coatings Inspector, you'll perform inspections and quality assurance activities for marine and industrial surface preparation and protective coating operations. You'll work closely with production teams, supervisors, project management, and customer representatives to verify that work meets applicable specifications and quality requirements and that inspection results are accurately documented.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform quality assurance inspections of marine and industrial surface preparation and protective coating activities.
• Inspect abrasive blasting, mechanical surface preparation, waterjetting, and other surface preparation activities as applicable to assigned projects.
• Verify surface cleanliness, surface profile, environmental conditions, coating application, and other quality requirements in accordance with project specifications.
• Inspect primers, intermediate coats, finish coats, nonskid systems, and other protective coating applications as required.
• Use appropriate inspection instruments and gauges to verify environmental conditions, surface profile, wet film thickness, dry film thickness, and other required measurements.
• Verify coating materials, batch numbers, shelf life, mixing, thinning, induction times, pot life, and application requirements when applicable.
• Review project specifications, work packages, coating manufacturer product data sheets, and applicable quality requirements.
• Document inspection results accurately and maintain complete quality records.
• Prepare daily inspection reports, deficiency reports, and other required QA documentation.
• Identify nonconforming work and communicate quality concerns promptly to supervision and project leadership.
• Coordinate with production personnel to ensure deficiencies are corrected and reinspected as required.
• Maintain calibration and verification records for inspection equipment and ensure instruments are in proper working condition.
• Participate in pre-job meetings, quality meetings, and project coordination meetings as required.
• Communicate professionally with customer representatives, third‑party inspectors, and project personnel.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper quality documentation in accordance with project and company requirements.
• Follow all company, customer, and jobsite safety procedures while performing inspections.
• Understand and obey all posted warning, caution, notification, and hazard signs at jobsites.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of inspection records and quality documentation.
• Work effectively with Operations, Project Management, Safety, and field leadership to support successful project completion.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant coatings inspection, quality assurance, marine coatings, or related industry experience.
• Current AMPP/NACE Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Level 1 or higher certification, or SSPC Navy Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI) qualification.
• Knowledge of marine or industrial surface preparation and protective coating processes.
• Ability to read and interpret project specifications, work packages, coating product data sheets, and quality requirements.
• Experience using common coating inspection instruments and gauges.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good computer skills and ability to accurately prepare and maintain electronic inspection documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written directions.
• Ability to work independently while effectively communicating with supervisors and project teams.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, accuracy, professionalism, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• AMPP/NACE CIP Level 2 or Level 3 certification.
• SSPC NBPI qualification.
• Previous coatings inspection experience in a shipyard or marine environment.
• Experience working on U.S. Navy, commercial shipbuilding, or ship repair preservation projects.
• Knowledge of NAVSEA Standard Items and applicable marine preservation requirements.
• Familiarity with SSPC/AMPP surface preparation and protective coating standards.
• Experience with JLG or aerial man‑lifts.
• Current TWIC Credential or the ability to obtain one if required for assigned work.
• Additional quality, coatings, or safety certifications applicable to marine and industrial projects.

Physical Requirements

This position requires regular inspection activities in demanding marine and industrial environments. Candidates must be able to:

• Regularly walk and inspect active shipyards, marine vessels, and industrial project sites.
• Board and navigate maritime vessels using stairs, ladders, gangways, and other access points.
• Climb ladders, scaffolding, stairs, and access elevated work areas.
• Enter tanks, compartments, and confined spaces when properly authorized and required.
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as necessary to perform inspections.
• Carry and use inspection instruments and equipment throughout the workday.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection and fall protection when required.
• Perform inspection activities in varying weather and environmental conditions.

Additional Requirements

• Must meet all applicable federal and state employment requirements.
• Reliable transportation is required.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation.
• Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required pre‑employment screenings, including drug screening (including marijuana), employment eligibility verification, and background screening where permitted by law.
• Must maintain required coatings inspection certifications and qualifications throughout employment.
• Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality are required.
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends, night shifts, and varying schedules based on project requirements. Overtime opportunities may be available but are not guaranteed.

Benefits

Main Industries offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family.

Benefits include:

• Competitive Hourly Pay
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Stable, Year‑Round Employment

Why Main Industries?

• Celebrating over 50 years of industry leadership.
• Safety‑first culture.
• Opportunity to support high‑quality marine and industrial preservation projects.
• Challenging work where your technical expertise and attention to detail make a difference.
• Opportunities for professional growth and specialized industry training.
• Team‑oriented environment focused on safety, quality, and successful project execution.

Main Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.