Quality Inspector / AWS CWI in Ridgeville, South Carolina at Carolina Heavy Steel

Position Summary

Carolina Heavy Steel is seeking a Quality Inspector with AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification to inspect welding and steel fabrication activities. This position ensures work meets applicable codes, approved drawings, project specifications, and customer requirements. Responsibilities include visual and dimensional inspections, magnetic particle (MT) and liquid penetrant (PT) testing as needed, verification of welding qualifications and procedures, maintenance of quality records, and coordination with production personnel, customers, and third-party inspectors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect welding and fabrication work before, during, and after production.
• Perform visual weld inspections in accordance with AWS D1.1 and other applicable project requirements.
• Perform magnetic particle (MT) and liquid penetrant (PT) testing as needed, in accordance with CHS NDT procedures and the CHS NDT written practice, and record results.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, tolerances, and customer specifications.
• Inspect material identification, fit-up, alignment, dimensions, and completed assemblies.
• Verify welder qualifications and confirm that welding activities follow approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs).
• Review Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs), welder qualification records, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), and supporting quality documentation.
• Monitor welding practices and report deviations from approved procedures.
• Identify, document, and track nonconforming materials or workmanship.
• Work with supervisors and production personnel to address quality concerns and verify completed corrections.
• Maintain accurate inspection reports, test results, material records, and other required quality documentation.
• Support final inspections and product release through CHS’s established approval process.
• Inspect surface preparation and paint application, including cleanliness, surface profile, coating thickness, coverage, and visible defects, to verify compliance with project specifications and customer requirements.
• Communicate with customers, third-party inspectors, and project teams regarding inspections and quality requirements.
• Support quality audits and improvements to inspection procedures.
• Follow CHS safety policies and wear required personal protective equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
• Experience inspecting welding or fabrication work in manufacturing, construction, or a related environment.
• Working knowledge of AWS welding codes and the ability to interpret other codes applicable to assigned projects.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, welding symbols, specifications, and inspection requirements.
• Knowledge of welding procedures, welder qualifications, weld discontinuities, and applicable acceptance criteria.
• Ability to use weld gauges, measuring tools, and other inspection equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to address quality concerns professionally.
• Basic computer skills for inspection reports, spreadsheets, and document management.

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical training in Welding Technology, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with structural steel fabrication and AWS D1.1 inspection.
• Experience with material traceability, nonconformance reports, and customer quality audits.
• Familiarity with abrasive blasting, surface preparation, and protective coating inspection.
• NDT Level II certification in MT and PT (ASNT SNT-TC-1A or equivalent), or willingness to qualify under CHS’s NDT written practice.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position works in an active steel fabrication facility around welding, machinery, moving materials, and shop noise. Duties may involve standing, walking, bending, and safely accessing inspection locations, with reasonable accommodation as appropriate. Compliance with required PPE and safe work practices is essential.