Weld Quality Engineer in Hampton, Georgia at Southern States, LLC

Job Summary:

The Weld Quality Engineer ensures all welded fabrication and construction activities meet applicable codes, standards, and customer requirements, with a primary focus on AWS D1.1 – Structural Welding Code (Steel) and AWS D1.2 – Structural Welding Code (Aluminum), as well as other customer-specified standards. This role blends hands-on weld inspection with engineering support, quality assurance, and continuous improvement to drive product integrity and process excellence.
Essential Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.

Weld Inspection & Compliance

• Inspect welded joints in accordance with AWS D1.1 and AWS D1.2 requirements.
• Perform visual weld inspections (VT) before, during, and after welding.
• Verify weld size, profile, contour, discontinuities, and acceptance criteria per applicable code.
• Review and approve weld symbols, drawings, and fabrication details for code compliance.
• Confirm base materials, filler metals, joint preparation, preheat, interpass temperature, and post-weld requirements.

Welding Procedure & Qualification Oversight

• Review, qualify, and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ).
• Witness and document welder qualification testing.
• Ensure welding processes conform to qualified procedures and essential variables.

Quality Assurance & Documentation

• Develop and maintain inspection reports, nonconformance reports (NCRs), and corrective action documentation.
• Interface with third-party inspectors, customers, and regulatory bodies as required.
• Support internal and external audits related to welding and quality systems.
• Maintain traceability of materials and consumables.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems and ISO:9001 is preferred.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Coordination

• Coordinate or review NDT activities (UT, RT, MT, PT) as required by project specifications.
• Interpret NDT reports and ensure corrective actions are implemented when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on welding/inspection experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in welding inspection or weld quality engineering in a fabrication or construction environment.
• Strong working knowledge of AWS D1.1 and AWS D1.2. AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) preferred (or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe).
• Familiarity with welding processes including GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, and SAW. Understanding of weld symbols, blueprints, and fabrication drawings. Knowledge of steel and aluminum metallurgy and weld discontinuities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong working knowledge of AWS D1.1 and AWS D1.2.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) preferred (or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe).
• Familiarity with welding processes including GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, and SAW.
• Understanding of weld symbols, blueprints, and fabrication drawings.
• Knowledge of steel and aluminum metallurgy and weld discontinuities.