Structural Steel Quality Inspector – 1st Shift

Socket.dev; Arlington (TN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Structural Steel Quality Inspector for 1st shift in Arlington, TN. This hands-on shop-floor role requires verifying that materials, welds, and finished steel meet project specs and quality requirements.

You'll work in a non-climate-controlled facility, regularly using inspection gauges and drawings to ensure adherence to AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5, and AISC standards, while supporting calibration, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of structural steel fabrication experience.
• Background in quality control, inspection, or manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings and specifications.
• Experience using inspection equipment such as fillet weld gauges, V-WAC gauges, squares, and tape measures.

Responsibilities

• Inspect fabrication and finished components for quality and spec compliance.
• Verify conformance to AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5, and AISC.
• Check incoming materials and welding consumables.
• Maintain inspection records and logs.
• Document quality issues and support corrective actions.
• Maintain welding equipment and inspection tools.
• Assist with welder qualification, testing, and certification.
• Assist with training on welding, fitting, and quality requirements.
• Maintain drawing control and QC processes.
• Collaborate with production to address quality concerns.
• Participate in quality improvement and training programs.
• Promote safe work practices.

Skills

Structural steel fabrication

Quality control

Reading fabrication drawings

Detail orientation

Safety awareness

Tools

Fillet weld gauges

V-WAC gauges

Squares

Tape measures

Job description

Structural Steel Quality Inspector – 1st Shift

Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Schedule: 1st Shift
Pay: Up to $32.00/hour, depending on experience

Position Summary

We’re looking for a Quality Inspector with structural steel fabrication experience to help verify that materials, welds, and finished steel meet project specifications, industry codes, and quality requirements.

This is a hands-on shop-floor position in an active, non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment. The role involves frequent standing, walking, and inspection of materials with limited office time.

Responsibilities

• Inspect structural steel fabrication and finished components for quality and specification compliance.
• Verify work meets AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5, AISC, and applicable project requirements.
• Check incoming materials, parts, and welding consumables.
• Identify inspected materials and maintain required inspection records and logs.
• Document quality issues and assist production teams with corrective actions.
• Maintain and calibrate welding equipment and inspection tools.
• Support welder qualification, testing, and certification activities.
• Assist with training on welding, fitting, and quality requirements.
• Maintain drawing control and other QC processes.
• Work with production and management to address quality concerns.
• Participate in quality improvement and company training programs.
• Promote safe work practices throughout the facility.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of structural steel fabrication experience.
• Background in quality control, inspection, or manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5, and AISC standards.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings and specifications.
• Experience using inspection equipment such as:
  • Fillet weld gauges
  • V-WAC gauges
  • Squares
  • Tape measures
  • Other standard QC inspection tools
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality and safety.

Preferred Experience

• Current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
• Nondestructive testing experience, including UT, MT, or PT.
• Certifications related to structural steel fabrication, bolting, coatings, or welding inspection.
• Previous experience in a steel manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

• Primarily performed on the production/shop floor.
• Non-climate-controlled manufacturing facility with varying temperatures.
• Requires standing, walking, and inspecting steel and materials throughout the workday.
• Limited office work.

Opportunity

This Contract-to-Hire position offers the opportunity for long-term employment while playing a hands-on role in product quality, fabrication standards, and continuous improvement.