Full-Time Position Summary We are seeking an experienced and highly driven Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to lead the Quality Control department for our structural steel fabrication facility in Alaska. This is a ground-up leadership role. The primary directive of this position is to develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive Quality Control Plan and successfully lead the facility through the process of obtaining and maintaining AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) Certification. The ideal candidate will take absolute ownership of the shop's quality standards, ensuring full compliance with project specifications, AWS codes, and AISC standards. This role requires a hands-on inspector who is equally proficient on the shop floor verifying layouts and welds as they are in the office managing document control and material traceability.
Perform routine visual inspections (VT) of fit-ups, root passes, and final welds to ensure compliance with
AWS D1.1
Structural Welding Code and approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
Layout Confirmation:
Conduct rigorous dimensional checks and layout verifications on fabricated structural members prior to and after welding to guarantee accuracy against shop drawings.
Testing Coordination:
Oversee all required Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) such as UT, MT, PT, or RT. Coordinate with third-party testing agencies when required.
Coatings Compliance:
Monitor and inspect surface preparation and coatings applications (paint, galvanizing, etc.) to ensure adherence to project specifications and industry standards (SSPC/NACE).
Material & Document Control Specification Compliance:
Thoroughly review project specifications, contract documents, and approved shop drawings to guarantee all fabrication meets client and engineer-of-record requirements.
Mill Certifications & Inventory:
Manage the intake and traceability of all steel. Review, log, and file Mill Test Reports (MTRs) to ensure absolute material traceability from the yard to the final shipped product.
Document Control:
Maintain meticulous records of all QC documentation, including Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), WPS, Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ), NDT reports, inspection logs, and Non-Conformance Reports (NCR).
Qualifications & Requirements Certifications:
Active American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential is required.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of experience in structural steel fabrication quality control.
AISC Expertise:
Proven, hands-on experience navigating a fabrication shop through the AISC Certification process is highly preferred.
Technical Literacy:
Exceptional ability to read and interpret complex structural blueprints, shop drawings, and contract specifications.
Coatings Knowledge:
Familiarity with structural steel protective coatings (NACE or SSPC certifications are a strong plus).
Alaska Readiness:
Ability to work efficiently in a cold-weather industrial environment and manage the logistical realities of Alaskan fabrication projects.
Soft Skills:
Strong authoritative presence to enforce quality standards, paired with the communication skills needed to train and mentor shop floor personnel. Work Environment & Physical Demands Frequent walking, standing, climbing, and maneuvering around heavy structural steel components on the shop floor. Exposure to typical fabrication shop conditions, including noise, dust, welding fumes, and varying Alaskan seasonal temperatures. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and utilize standard inspection tools and gauges effectively.
Pay:
$95,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance