Certified Welding Inspector; CWI

Join ECS Group of Companies as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) in our Chattanooga team. This role involves field observations, inspections, and testing on complex construction projects, including destructive and non‑destructive methods.

Location:

Chattanooga, TN | Salary: $60,000–$80,000 (plus benefits).

• Field
  
  Activities:
  
  Perform observations, testing, inspections, and sampling of various construction materials, including soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt, and structural steel placement; execute tasks based on project requirements under the guidance of senior technicians, staff professionals, and project managers; inspections may also be conducted in fabrication facilities or on mechanical piping systems and pressure vessels.
• Testing Procedures:
  Conduct routine observations of structural steel and reinforcing steel, including welded or bolted connections using various methodologies and testing equipment following industry standards for documentation and compliance; testing may include ground penetrating radar (GPR) structural surveys, material verification, and corrosion surveys.
• Data Collection:
  Perform calculations and data reduction based on sampling, test results, and inspections; engage in drafting and administrative duties as required; maintain organization of field equipment and notify supervisor of broken or missing equipment as applicable.
• Communication:
  Maintain daily communication with site contractors, other technicians, and project managers, keeping the team informed of changing site conditions and requested additional testing; attend project meetings as requested; inform project team of test results and share technical advice to provide resolution of issues.
• Training and Development:
  Receive training in ECS methodology for project observations, inspections, and testing; document findings with precision in accordance with accepted engineering practices; mentor other technicians as they grow in their careers.

• Support you in enhancing your professional skills to advance and grow with us.
• Encourage participation and advancement in internal and external training programs and certification opportunities.

• 5+ years of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• ASNT NDT Level II certification(s) and at least two additional advanced industry certifications from authorities such as NRC, NICET, WACEL, ACI, IFC, AWS, ASNT, ASTM (others considered at ECS discretion).
• Current pursuit of or ability to obtain maximal certifications in the above categories.
• Position requires carrying 40–70 lbs multiple times a day or occasionally lifting 85 lbs to waist height.
• Valid driver’s license and insurance.
• Suitable transportation for job sites – mileage will be reimbursed.
• Strong communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Advanced working knowledge of destructive and non‑destructive testing principles, applications, and standards with expertise in your area of certification.
• Expert understanding of heavy construction safety, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to perform work at heights.
• Ability to work effectively with clients, peers, and supervisors.
• Proficiency with electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops.
• High-level ability to read and interpret engineering and construction plans.
• Basic knowledge of MS Office.
• If your focus is NDE testing, you should have the ability to calibrate NDE equipment.

• Seniority level
  :
  Not Applicable
• Employment type
  :
  Full‑time
• Job function
  :
  Science and Consulting
• Industries
  :
  Civil Engineering

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ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee‑owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #66 in Engineering News‑Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2025), #148 in Engineering News‑Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025).

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