Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)

Certified Welding Inspector

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.

The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for ensuring that all welding and fabrication processes meet applicable codes, specifications, and quality standards in the production of military-grade armor, steel, and aluminum components. This role is critical to maintaining the integrity, safety, and compliance of welded structures used in defense applications. The CWI will perform inspections, review welding procedures, oversee welder performance, and maintain documentation to support compliance with industry and government standards.

Essential Functions

• Perform visual inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT) on welded components to ensure compliance with AWS, MIL-STD, and customer specifications.
• Review and approve Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualification Records (WPQ).
• Monitor welding operations on armor, steel, and aluminum materials to verify adherence to approved procedures and quality requirements.
• Ensure compliance with military standards, codes, and contract-specific welding requirements.
• Document inspection results, prepare reports, and maintain traceability of records in accordance with quality management system requirements (ISO, AS9100, or equivalent).
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve welding-related issues.
• Provide training and technical guidance to welders and supervisors regarding code compliance, weld quality, and inspection techniques.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action for welding-related nonconformances.
• Stay current with updates to AWS, ASME, and military welding codes and standards.

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)

• Strong knowledge of welding processes (MIG, TIG, FCAW, GMAW, SMAW) for steel and aluminum.
• Familiarity with military specifications (e.g., MIL-STD-1261, MIL-STD-1689, NAVSEA) and ballistic armor requirements preferred.
• Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods (VT, PT, MT, UT, RT) a plus.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, weld symbols, and technical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced, high-security environment.

Education

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) required.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of welding inspection experience in manufacturing, preferably in defense, aerospace, or heavy industry.

Background Prerequisites

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal NDT certification (Level I or Level II in UT, PT, MT, or RT).
• Experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments.
• Additional training in statistical process control or quality management systems.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

• Occasionally: stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequently: use hands to handle or feel inspection tools and equipment.
• Continuously: maintain focus and attention to detail during inspections.
• Highly repetitive: use of inspection tools and CMM operations for extended periods.

Environmental & Safety Requirements:

• Work performed in a manufacturing/quality lab setting in close proximity to others.
• Potential exposure to loud noise, moving machinery, and chemicals (with required PPE).
• Requires use of PPE including safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe shoes.
• Minimal travel may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.