Certified Welding Inspector

Certified Welding Inspector

The Certified Welding Inspector plays a key role in ensuring the quality and compliance of welded assemblies for aerospace and aviation applications. This position conducts detailed weld inspections to multiple industry codes and internal specifications, maintains critical qualification records, and collaborates closely with welders and engineers to prevent defects and improve welding processes. The role is highly hands-on, based on the manufacturing floor, and directly supports a robust aerospace-quality environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-weld, in-process, and post-weld visual inspections of welded assemblies in accordance with AWS D17.1, ASME Section IX, applicable AWS D1.x codes, engineering drawings, and internal weld specifications.
• Verify joint preparation, fit-up, cleanliness, filler and base material traceability, shielding gas, interpass temperature, and heat input against the governing Welding Procedure Specification (WPS).
• Inspect GTAW, GMAW, and laser welds on carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and nickel-based alloys such as Inconel, with close attention to distortion, discontinuities, and weld profile on thin-gauge and high-strength materials.
• Interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols in accordance with AWS A2.4, and GD&T callouts per ASME Y14.5 to define clear inspection criteria for parts and assemblies.
• Review, witness, and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) records, ensuring accurate tracking of welder continuity and certification status.
• Coordinate, witness, and review nondestructive examinations (PT, RT, UT, MT) and destructive testing of weld coupons, including macro-etch, bend, and tensile tests, performed in-house or by qualified vendors.
• Document inspection results, nonconformances, and traceability records in the quality management system, supporting Material Review Board (MRB) disposition and recommending appropriate repair methods.
• Exercise stop-work authority when work does not meet code, procedure, or safety requirements, and ensure timely communication of issues to relevant stakeholders.
• Partner with welders, manufacturing engineers, and quality engineers to drive root cause analysis and corrective actions on weld defects and recurring issues.
• Contribute to building and improving the weld quality program, including developing inspection checklists, acceptance criteria, work instructions, and inspection tooling.
• Support supplier quality through source inspections and review of supplier weld documentation to verify compliance with applicable codes and specifications.
• Ensure proper use and verification of calibration status for weld inspection gauges and precision measurement equipment.

Essential Skills

• Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification in good standing.
• At least 3 years of welding inspection
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, and GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Proficiency with weld inspection tools and precision measurement equipment, including fillet and undercut gauges, borescopes, calipers, micrometers, and magnification aids.
• Experience reviewing WPS, PQR, and WPQ documentation and maintaining welder qualification and continuity records.
• Strong documentation skills with the ability to clearly communicate inspection findings to welders, engineers, and leadership.
• High school diploma or GED.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AWS D17.1 endorsement
• Nondestructive testing (NDT) certification at Level II in PT, RT, or UT per NAS 410 or ASNT SNT-TC-1A.
• Experience inspecting welds on titanium, Inconel, and aluminum flight hardware, propulsion components, or pressurized fluid systems.
• Familiarity with laser welding and/or electron beam welding processes.
• Experience working within AS9100 or an equivalent aerospace quality management system.
• Understanding of welding metallurgy, heat-affected zone behavior, and distortion control techniques.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume production or prototype environment with rapid iteration cycles.
• Proficiency with ERP or quality management software such as NetSuite, SAP, or Solumina.
• Associate degree or technical certification in welding technology, materials, or quality-related fields.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a technically challenging aerospace environment where quality and safety are top priorities, and your expertise directly influences mission-critical hardware. The organization values continuous improvement, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on problem solving, giving you the opportunity to shape weld quality standards and processes. You will gain exposure to advanced materials, special processes, and modern quality systems while working with a team of skilled professionals who are committed to innovation and excellence.

Work Environment

This is a highly hands-on role based on the manufacturing floor in active welding areas, requiring regular use of appropriate personal protective equipment. You will routinely handle and inspect welded components, which may involve lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and accessing confined or elevated positions to complete thorough inspections. The environment includes exposure to welding operations, fabrication equipment, and precision inspection tools. Work hours may be flexible, with occasional overtime or varied shifts to support production priorities and critical deadlines, providing a dynamic setting where priorities can change quickly in response to program needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Atlanta, GA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $50.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)