Quality Assurance Inspector, Shipbuilding / Marine

CORE Group; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CORE Group is seeking a Quality Assurance Inspector for shipbuilding and marine repair in Portland. You will support inspection, testing, and QA activities, developing plans and ensuring compliance with NAVSEA standards, USCG regulations, and class society requirements.

You will conduct in-process and final inspections, verify workmanship, and document results while coordinating with production, project management, and regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• 1–5 years of quality inspection experience in shipyard/marine manufacturing.
• AWS CWI and/or Level II NDT certifications required.
• Proficient in reading blueprints, drawings, specs, and regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Current certifications relevant to inspection discipline encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Develop test and inspection plans based on contract specs, NAVSEA items, USPS Coast Guard and class society requirements.
• Perform in-process and final inspections of shipbuilding work.
• Verify workmanship against drawings, codes, and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate inspections with production teams, project managers, and regulators.
• Maintain quality documentation and track non-conformances and corrective actions.
• Support continuous improvement of inspection processes.

Skills

Quality inspection

Blueprint reading

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

AWS CWI certification

Level II NDT certification

Tools

NDT equipment

Job description

Quality Assurance Inspector, Shipbuilding / Marine

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Quality Assurance Inspector to join the shipbuilding and marine repair industry. This critical role involves supporting inspection, testing, and quality assurance activities in a fast-paced shipyard environment. The inspector will develop and implement test and inspection plans, ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and classification society standards, and verify that all vessel construction and repair work meets the highest quality standards. Collaboration with production personnel, project management, and regulatory bodies is essential to ensure vessels are built and repaired according to established acceptance criteria.

Responsibilities

• Develop test and inspection plans following contract specifications, NAVSEA Standard Items, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, classification society requirements, and relevant engineering standards.
• Conduct in-process and final inspections of shipbuilding, structural, welding, and related work.
• Verify workmanship and completed work against drawings, specifications, codes, procedures, and contractual requirements.
• Ensure preliminary inspection criteria are satisfied before requesting final inspections from customers or regulatory authorities.
• Coordinate inspections with production teams, supervisors, project managers, clients, and regulatory representatives.
• Monitor shipyard operations to ensure compliance with accepted shipbuilding practices and quality standards.
• Confirm calibration and certification of testing equipment and instrumentation used during inspections.
• Identify, document, and track deficiencies or non-conformances, verifying corrective actions and rework are completed properly.
• Maintain and support the documentation of test results, inspection forms, and quality records, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Review subcontractor qualifications and ensure their documentation aligns with project and regulatory standards.
• Verify personnel qualifications and certifications to ensure compliance with all quality requirements.
• Support training initiatives for inspection and testing personnel.
• Assist in continuous improvement of quality processes and inspection practices across the shipyard.

Requirements

• 1 to 5 years of experience in quality inspection within a shipyard, marine, industrial manufacturing, or related environment.
• Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and/or Level II NDT certification(s), including VT, MT, PT, or UT disciplines depending on specific responsibilities.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, construction drawings, specifications, and complex regulatory documents.
• Knowledge of welding inspection principles and acceptance criteria.
• Strong ability to conduct independent inspections and accurately document results.
• Experience working directly with production personnel and skilled trades.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Candidates must possess current certifications relevant to their inspection discipline.
• Working knowledge of shipbuilding or ship repair quality practices, NAVSEA standards, and U.S. Coast Guard or classification society requirements is preferred.
• Ability to work in active production areas, perform inspections in confined spaces, and sustain extended shifts when necessary.
• Eligibility as a U.S. Person is required to support federally contracted work.