Welding Quality Assurance Inspector II

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

Job summary

Thompson Pipe - USA is seeking an Welding Quality Assurance Inspector IIA to join our heavy manufacturing team. You will verify weld fit-up, alignments, and WPS compliance, perform in-process and final inspections, and document measurements with calipers and micrometers.

You may support nondestructive testing (MT/PT/UT) and collaborate with fabricators to resolve issues, keeping meticulous records and contributing shop-wide quality improvements.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in QA, QC, or production within pipe manufacturing or related heavy manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret weld symbols with WPS alignment.
• Familiar with AWS, ASME, AWWA or comparable codes; capable of documenting findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Execute thorough visual inspections of welds and fabricated assemblies.
• Assess fit-up and alignment prior to welding; verify against WPS and drawings.
• Conduct in-process and final inspections; use gauges and calipers to validate tolerances.
• Identify and document weld defects; communicate concerns to production teams.
• Support or perform nondestructive testing activities (MT, PT, UT).
• Complete inspection reports and maintain quality documentation; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Welding expertise

QA inspection

Blueprint reading

WPS familiarity

NDT knowledge

Microsoft Excel

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Level I certification

Level II certification preferred

AWS CWI/CAWI or equivalent

ASNT SNT-TC-1A/NAS 410 knowledge

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Measuring tools

Job description

Welding Quality Assurance Inspector IIA day in the lifeYou start your shift on the production floor of a heavy manufacturing shop, walking the line before the first arc strikes. You verify fit-up and alignment, check root gaps, confirm the correct WPS is posted, and compare details against the latest drawings. As welding progresses, you move station to station, performing in-process checks and capturing measurements with gauges, calipers, and micrometers. You flag discontinuities, document findings, and collaborate with fabricators to correct issues in real time. Before anything ships, you complete final visual inspections and, when needed, support or perform NDT (MT, PT, UT). Throughout the day, you keep meticulous records and contribute ideas that make the shop safer, faster, and more consistent.What you’ll doExecute thorough visual inspections of welds and fabricated assembliesAssess fit-up and alignment prior to welding; verify work against WPS and drawingsConduct in-process and final inspections to ensure product qualityUse measurement tools (gauges, calipers, micrometers) to validate dimensions and tolerancesIdentify, document, and communicate weld defects and quality concernsSupport or perform nondestructive testing activities (MT, PT, UT)Partner closely with production teams to resolve quality issues at the sourceComplete inspection reports and maintain accurate quality documentationDrive continuous improvement and strengthen shop-wide quality initiativesWho thrives hereThis QA Technician II role is ideal for professionals grounded in welding, fabrication, machining, or industrial manufacturing who want to advance toward pressure pipe work and code-governed applications.QualificationsHands-on background in welding, fabrication, machining, or heavy manufacturingExperience inspecting welds or manufactured componentsAbility to read blueprints and interpret weld symbolsFamiliarity with WPS, inspection workflows, and general shop QA practicesComfort working in fast-paced production environmentsExposure to AWS, ASME, AWWA, or comparable codes is a plusAWS CWI/CAWI or equivalent experience preferredPreferred qualifications2+ years in QA, QC, or production within pipe manufacturing, precast concrete, or a related industryPractical experience in at least one area: concrete/civil, coatings, welding, or NDE/NDTLevel I certification or equivalent in at least one discipline; 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 577Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially ExcelBilingual English/Spanish is a plusCore strengthsQuality inspection expertiseKnowledge of production welding setupsBlueprint reading and interpretationTools and processes you may encounterMIG (GMAW)TIG (GTAW)Stick (SMAW)Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)