Welding Inspector / QA Technician II

Thompson Pipe Group; South Beloit (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Pipe Group is seeking a QA Technician II to support welding inspections in a heavy manufacturing environment. You will inspect welds, verify conformance to WPS and drawings, and assist with NDT activities as needed.

The role emphasizes hands-on inspection, documentation, and continuous quality improvement, with opportunities to grow in pressure pipe applications across fabrication operations.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in QA, QC, or production role in pipe manufacturing or related industry.
• Ability to read drawings and weld symbols accurately.
• Experience inspecting welds or fabricated components in a heavy manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with AWS, ASME, AWWA codes is a plus.
• Proficient in Excel and MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual inspection of welds and fabricated components.
• Inspect fit-up, alignment, and production work prior to welding.
• Verify work is performed in accordance with WPS and drawings.
• Conduct in-process and final inspections.
• Use inspection tools such as gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
• Identify and document weld defects and quality issues.
• Support or perform NDT activities (MT, PT, UT).
• Work with production teams to resolve quality issues.
• Complete inspection and quality documentation.
• Support continuous improvement and shop quality initiatives.

Skills

Quality inspection

Welding setups

Blueprint reading

Education

AWS CWI / CAWI or equivalent

NDE / NDT certifications (MT/PT/UT)

ACI Field Test Technician

Job description

Position Summary

The QA Technician II serves as a hands-on Welding Inspector supporting production in a heavy manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for inspecting welds, ensuring product quality, and supporting fabrication operations. Ideal for candidates with experience in welding, fabrication, machining, or industrial manufacturing looking to grow into pressure pipe applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform visual inspection of welds and fabricated components
• Inspect fit-up, alignment, and production work prior to welding
• Verify work is performed in accordance with WPS and drawings
• Conduct in-process and final inspections
• Use inspection tools such as gauges, calipers, and micrometers
• Identify and document weld defects and quality issues
• Support or perform NDT activities (MT, PT, UT)
• Work with production teams to resolve quality issues
• Complete inspection and quality documentation
• Support continuous improvement and shop quality initiatives

Requirements

• Experience in welding, fabrication, machining, or heavy manufacturing
• Experience inspecting welds or manufactured components
• Ability to read drawings and understand weld symbols
• Familiarity with WPS, inspection processes, or shop QA
• Experience working in production environments
• Exposure to AWS, ASME, AWWA, or similar codes is a plus
• AWS CWI/CAWI or equivalent experience preferred
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• 2+ years of experience in a QA, QC, or production role in pipe manufacturing, precast concrete, or a related industry.
• Hands-on experience in at least one discipline: concrete/civil, coatings, welding, or NDE/NDT.
• Level I or equivalent certification in at least one area; Level II or equivalent strongly preferred - ACI Field Test Technician; AWS CWI or CAWI; NDE/NDT MT, PT, RT, UT, or VT (ASNT SNT-TC-1A or NAS 410); NACE/AMPP Coating Inspector; or API 510, 570, or 577.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

You Should Be Proficient In

• Quality Inspection Experience
• Welding Setups for Production
• Blueprint Reading

Machines & Technologies You'll Use

• MIG Welder
• TIG Welder
• Stick Welder
• Flux-Cored Arc Welder