Quality Inspector / AWS CWI

Carolina Heavy Steel; Ridgeville (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Carolina Heavy Steel in Ridgeville, SC is seeking a Quality Inspector with AWS CWI certification to inspect welding and steel fabrication activities, ensuring compliance with codes, drawings, specs, and customer requirements.

You will perform visual and MT/PT testing as needed, verify welding qualifications, maintain quality records, and coordinate with production personnel, customers, and third-party inspectors to support final inspections and product release.

Qualifications

• Current AWS CWI certification
• Experience inspecting welding or fabrication work
• Ability to read engineering drawings, welding symbols, and inspection requirements
• Knowledge of welding procedures and welder qualifications
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail
• Clear communication when addressing quality concerns
• Basic computer skills for inspection reports

Responsibilities

• Inspect welding and fabrication work before, during, and after production.
• Perform visual weld inspections per AWS D1.1 and project requirements.
• Conduct MT/PT testing as needed per NDT procedures and write records.
• Read and interpret drawings, weld symbols, tolerances, and customer specs.
• Verify welder qualifications and compliance with WPSs.
• Maintain accurate inspection reports and quality documentation.
• Support final inspections and product release through approved processes.

Skills

CWI certification

Inspection experience

Reading drawings/welding symbols

Measuring tools

Documentation

Attention to detail

Communication

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or technical training in Welding Technology/QA

Tools

Weld gauges

Inspection equipment

Job description

Description

Position Summary

Carolina Heavy Steel is seeking a Quality Inspector with AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification to inspect welding and steel fabrication activities. This position ensures work meets applicable codes, approved drawings, project specifications, and customer requirements. Responsibilities include visual and dimensional inspections, magnetic particle (MT) and liquid penetrant (PT) testing as needed, verification of welding qualifications and procedures, maintenance of quality records, and coordination with production personnel, customers, and third-party inspectors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect welding and fabrication work before, during, and after production.
• Perform visual weld inspections in accordance with AWS D1.1 and other applicable project requirements.
• Perform magnetic particle (MT) and liquid penetrant (PT) testing as needed, in accordance with CHS NDT procedures and the CHS NDT written practice, and record results.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, tolerances, and customer specifications.
• Inspect material identification, fit-up, alignment, dimensions, and completed assemblies.
• Verify welder qualifications and confirm that welding activities follow approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs).
• Review Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs), welder qualification records, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), and supporting quality documentation.
• Monitor welding practices and report deviations from approved procedures.
• Identify, document, and track nonconforming materials or workmanship.
• Work with supervisors and production personnel to address quality concerns and verify completed corrections.
• Maintain accurate inspection reports, test results, material records, and other required quality documentation.
• Support final inspections and product release through CHS’s established approval process.
• Inspect surface preparation and paint application, including cleanliness, surface profile, coating thickness, coverage, and visible defects, to verify compliance with project specifications and customer requirements.
• Communicate with customers, third-party inspectors, and project teams regarding inspections and quality requirements.
• Support quality audits and improvements to inspection procedures.
• Follow CHS safety policies and wear required personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
• Experience inspecting welding or fabrication work in manufacturing, construction, or a related environment.
• Working knowledge of AWS welding codes and the ability to interpret other codes applicable to assigned projects.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, welding symbols, specifications, and inspection requirements.
• Knowledge of welding procedures, welder qualifications, weld discontinuities, and applicable acceptance criteria.
• Ability to use weld gauges, measuring tools, and other inspection equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to address quality concerns professionally.
• Basic computer skills for inspection reports, spreadsheets, and document management.

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical training in Welding Technology, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with structural steel fabrication and AWS D1.1 inspection.
• Experience with material traceability, nonconformance reports, and customer quality audits.
• Familiarity with abrasive blasting, surface preparation, and protective coating inspection.
• NDT Level II certification in MT and PT (ASNT SNT-TC-1A or equivalent), or willingness to qualify under CHS’s NDT written practice.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position works in an active steel fabrication facility around welding, machinery, moving materials, and shop noise. Duties may involve standing, walking, bending, and safely accessing inspection locations, with reasonable accommodation as appropriate. Compliance with required PPE and safe work practices is essential.