Senior Field Inspector - Houston, TX

Orbital Engineering, Inc.; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Company-paid short-term disability

Maternity and bonding leave

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Orbital Engineering, Inc. seeks a Senior Field Inspector based in the Houston region. The role involves field inspections at local client sites, with occasional out-of-state travel.

You will generate detailed reports and ensure compliance with Orbital’s PM System while operating in heavy industrial environments such as steel mills and refineries. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of inspection experience, knowledge of welding/API inspections, and the ability to read engineering drawings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• AS or BS Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering preferred.
• 8+ years of inspection experience with a safe performance record.
• Experience with structural/API inspections, welding, steel, and industrial machinery.
• Ability to read and understand engineering and fabrication drawings.
• Must be able to pass a post-offer drug and alcohol test per regulations.

Responsibilities

• Detect defects in structural and mechanical systems and recommend remedial measures.
• Generate accurate inspection reports using Orbital’s software.
• Read and comprehend drawings accurately.
• Travel to client sites, including out-of-state when needed.
• Interface with client representatives and maintain professional relationships.
• Work safely in active industrial environments and follow safety requirements.

Skills

Field inspections

Reading drawings

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team leadership

Travel readiness

Proficiency with office software

Customer service

Ability to work in industrial Envs

Education

AS or BS Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Technical degree preferred

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Field Inspector local to the Houston, TX Region. This position will require traveling to local client sites. There will also be occasional out-of-state travel when needed.

Orbital’s Asset Integrity Services ensures client structures and equipment remain compliant and reliable. This role involves conducting field inspections, collecting data, preparing technical reports, and other duties. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience in heavy industrial settings such as steel mills, petrochemical, chemical, mining, materials processing, or power generation.

Candidates must be prepared to readily accept these requirements and will be properly trained to work in these environments. The ideal candidate will be a high-performing, critical‑thinking, analytical, and experienced self-starter with excellent leadership skills, written and oral communication skills, customer service skills, and the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Orbital culture values safety, communication, accountability, professionalism, integrity, and respect.

Essential Functions

• Detect possible defects and faults in structural and mechanical systems in the field and recommend or stipulate appropriate remedial measures for noncomplex defects.
• Generates accurate inspection reports in Orbital’s inspection software platform efficiently within project budgets.
• Ensure all operational and project related activities are completed in accordance with Orbital’s Project Management System (OPMS).
• Accurately read and comprehend drawings.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation which takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Use graphic instructions, such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, or other visual aids.
• Applies intensive and diversified knowledge in broad areas of assignments, especially projects concerned with unique or specialized problems.
• Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Complete company developed training modules.
• Interfaces directly with the client’s representatives, as necessary.
• Proficient with a computer and/or tablet use in office & field.
• This position will require travel to client sites in other states.
• Work safely while performing field and office tasks.
• On the road
• In-state and out-of-state travel to industrial client sites (e.g., utilities, oil & gas facilities, refineries, chemical plants, steel mills). Must be comfortable working in active industrial environments and following all safety requirements.
• While performing the duties of this job, employees may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, extreme cold, and extreme heat.
• Noise levels are usually moderate.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform essential job functions.

Other Duties

• Please note that this job posting does not list all duties and responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical degree preferred.
• AS or BS Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering preferred.
• 8+ years of appropriate inspection experience with a safe performance record.
• Experience related to structural inspections, API inspections, welding, steel and industrial machinery
• Demonstrated ability to effectively organize multiple assignments, complex assignments, and competing priorities to produce quality reports and results.
• Computer proficiency including general office products, design, and business enterprise software.
• Reasoning skills and ability to solve practical problems.
• Ability to read and understand engineering and fabrication drawings.
• Ability to perform field inspections at higher elevations and confined spaces.
• Experience with any of the following: welding, site QAQC, inspection, concrete, steel, and bolting testing.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) experience preferred.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) preferred.
• AMPP coating inspector preferred.
• Experience in shop welding and fabrication or quality inspection in other fields is preferred.
• OSHA 10hr or 30hr preferred.
• MSHA Part 46 or 48 preferred.
• Preference given to individuals with exposure to heavy industrial environments and marketplaces.
• Ability to travel to our client facilities.
• Must have dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license and insurance.
• Must be able to pass a fit‑for‑duty test.
• This position requires the ability to pass a post‑offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations and is also subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.

Location Note:

This is an on‑site or hybrid position. Compensation is based on market data and internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s location.

Salary Range:

$70,000-105,000 annually (based on experience, qualifications, and location)

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work‑life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; a 401(k)-retirement savings plan; and supplemental insurance options. We also provide company‑paid life and AD&D insurance, company‑paid short‑term disability coverage, company‑paid maternity and bonding leave, and a generous paid time off program to ensure you have the support and flexibility you need both professionally and personally.

About Orbital:

Powered by People, Driven by Solutions

Since 1969, Orbital has been specializing in project development, project execution and asset management for the heavy industrial sectors and utilities. Our regional offices, hands‑on mentality, and world‑wide integrated teams provide an ability to leverage subject matter experts and industry best‑practices wherever a project may lie geographically. Our focus steadfastly remains on finding and delivering the best solution, regardless of where that team sits across our organization. At Orbital, our power is our people.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.