Certified Welding Inspector

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more.

UES is seeking a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to join our Lexington team. This is a hands-on, field-based role supporting structural steel, commercial, industrial, manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure projects throughout Kentucky and the surrounding region.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced inspector who enjoys working in the field, collaborating with contractors and engineers, and helping ensure projects are built safely and according to industry standards. You'll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects while serving as a trusted quality resource for clients and project teams.

What You'll Do

As a Certified Welding Inspector, you'll play a critical role in verifying the quality, safety, and compliance of welded structures and construction activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Performing welding inspections at construction sites, fabrication facilities, industrial plants, and infrastructure projects
• Reviewing engineering drawings, welding procedures, specifications, and project requirements
• Verifying compliance with AWS codes, project specifications, and applicable industry standards
• Preparing accurate inspection reports and project documentation
• Working closely with contractors, fabricators, engineers, and project managers to address quality concerns and maintain project schedules
• Conducting visual inspections of structural steel and welded assemblies
• Supporting quality assurance and quality control efforts throughout project execution
• Communicating inspection findings and recommendations to clients and project teams
• Maintaining a strong commitment to safety while working in active construction and industrial environments
• Managing field assignments throughout Kentucky and the surrounding area

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a detail-oriented professional who takes pride in quality workmanship and enjoys working independently while collaborating with project teams.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent with a completed welding certificate program or vocational training.
• American Welding Society (AWS) or similar welding certification, preferred.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and basic computer literacy.
• Knowledge of various welding techniques, equipment, and safety protocols.
• Adaptability and flexibility to changing schedules and hours to support business needs.
• Strong time management, mathematics, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with structural steel fabrication, steel erection, bridge construction, or transportation-related projects
• Experience with Non-Destructive Examination (NDE), including Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Additional AWS, ICC, API, or related industry certifications
• Previous consulting or third-party inspection experience
• Experience supporting transportation, industrial, manufacturing, energy, or infrastructure projects

This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.

The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:

• Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here.