Welding & Fabrication InspectorPosition Summary
Piedmont Metals is seeking an experienced Welding & Fabrication Inspector to support our structural steel fabrication operations. This role is responsible for inspecting fabricated steel components and welded assemblies throughout the manufacturing process to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, customer specifications, AWS D1.1 requirements, AISC standards, and company quality expectations.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in structural steel fabrication and welding, understands how quality is achieved on the shop floor, and is confident identifying fabrication and welding issues before products move to the next stage of production. This position works closely with welders, fabricators, supervisors, and the Quality Manager to maintain the highest standards of workmanship and safety. AWS D1.1 and AISC standards are commonly used in structural steel fabrication and inspection.
Key Responsibilities
- Inspect structural steel fabrication and welded assemblies throughout the production process.
- Perform visual weld inspections in accordance with AWS D1.1 requirements.
- Verify dimensions, fit-up, alignment, and tolerances using tape measures, calipers, weld gauges, squares, and other measuring equipment.
- Read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, specifications, and load lists.
- Identify fabrication defects, welding discontinuities, and dimensional discrepancies.
- Verify corrective actions and rework prior to final acceptance.
- Work closely with welders, fabricators, machine operators, and supervisors to resolve quality concerns.
- Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation.
- Ensure fabricated products meet customer specifications, AISC standards, and company quality requirements.
- Maintain inspection equipment and measuring tools.
- Cross-train in additional inspection and production support functions as needed.
- Follow all company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience in structural steel welding, fabrication, or a related manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of Flux Core (FCAW) welding processes.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and technical specifications.
- Experience using tape measures, weld gauges, calipers, and other inspection tools.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
Preferred
- Technical certification in Welding, Fabrication, or a related trade.
- Four (4)+ years of structural steel fabrication or welding experience.
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Visual Testing (VT) Level II, or equivalent certification.
- Working knowledge of AWS D1.1 and AISC fabrication standards.
- Previous experience performing fabrication or welding inspections in a structural steel shop.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication processes.
- Proficiency in Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) and structural welding practices.
- Knowledge of AWS D1.1 welding requirements and AISC fabrication standards.
- Ability to identify welding defects, fit-up issues, and fabrication nonconformances.
- Strong blueprint and weld symbol interpretation skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with production teams.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and climb throughout the workday.
- Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in varying temperatures and manufacturing environments with exposure to heat, cold, dust, noise, sparks, and welding operations.
- Ability to safely work around fabrication equipment, cranes, forklifts, and active production areas.
- Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, welding PPE, and steel-toed boots.
- Ability to visually inspect welds and fabricated products with a high degree of accuracy.
What Success Looks Like
- Consistently identifies fabrication and welding issues before products leave production.
- Maintains high compliance with AWS D1.1, AISC, customer, and company quality standards.
- Produces accurate inspection documentation and records.
- Reduces rework through proactive inspection and communication with production teams.
- Builds positive working relationships with welders and fabricators while maintaining quality expectations.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
Piedmont Metals is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a safe, productive, and team-oriented workplace.
Pay: $25.48 - $30.69 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
