Job Description

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

Location: Schaumburg, IL, Compensation: $80,000–$85,000 + Benefits

A growing industrial manufacturer is seeking a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) who can serve as both a quality expert and a hands-on technical resource for the welding team.

This isn't a position where you'll simply inspect completed welds and document defects. You'll work directly with welders on the shop floor, help develop their skills, conduct qualification testing, identify quality issues at the source, and improve overall welding performance.

The ideal candidate combines strong welding knowledge with the communication skills to effectively coach both experienced welders and employees who are still developing their craft. Must be certified as CWI.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual and dimensional inspection of welded components to applicable codes, drawings, and specifications.
• Conduct and document welder performance qualification testing.
• Work directly with welders to identify defects, troubleshoot welding issues, and improve technique.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and training to welding personnel.
• Verify compliance with WPS requirements and applicable AWS/ASME standards.
• Identify quality problems at the source and help implement corrective actions.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, and Quality to improve welding processes.
• Support root-cause analysis, corrective action, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate inspection, qualification, and quality documentation.
• Spend significant time on the manufacturing floor supporting welding operations.

Qualifications

• Current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
• Previous hands-on welding or fabrication experience.
• Strong understanding of welding processes, weld defects, inspection methods, and acceptance criteria.
• Experience training, coaching, or qualifying welders.
• Experience conducting welder performance qualification tests.
• Ability to read blueprints, welding symbols, and technical specifications.
• Strong communication skills and a hands-on, team-oriented approach.

Preferred Experience

• AWS D1.5, ASME Section IX, or similar welding codes
• NDT certifications or experience with MT, PT, UT, or VT
• Heavy equipment, structural steel, industrial machinery, or complex welded fabrication
• ISO 9001 quality systems
• Faro Arms, CMMs, laser trackers, or advanced dimensional inspection equipment
• Root-cause analysis and corrective action
• Continuous Improvement

Why Join?

• $80,000–$85,000 compensation
• Hands-on role with direct influence on welding quality
• Opportunity to train and develop skilled welders
• Work with complex industrial fabrication rather than repetitive production welding
• Stable manufacturing environment with long-term career potential

Interested?

For confidential consideration or to learn more, contact:

Alana Seddon, Executive Search Consultant | Manufacturing & Industrial Operations, gpac – Growing People and Companies

Phone: 785-783-6703, Email: alana.seddon@gogpac.com

All inquiries and candidate information will be held in the strictest confidence.

Keywords

Certified Welding Inspector • CWI • AWS CWI • Welding Inspector • Welding Quality • Welding Quality Inspector • Welding Supervisor • Welding Trainer • Welder Qualification • Welder Performance Qualification • WPS • PQR • AWS D1.5 • ASME Section IX • NDT • MT • PT • UT • VT • MIG • TIG • FCAW • SMAW • Weld Inspection • Fabrication • Structural Steel • Heavy Equipment • Industrial Machinery • ISO 9001 • Faro Arm • CMM • Laser Tracker • Root Cause Analysis • Corrective Action • Continuous Improvement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.