Quality Control Inspector

About Us

Southwest Steel is a steel fabrication and erection company that specializes in miscellaneous metal, steel stairs, railings, structural steel, and creatively unique custom steel pieces to complete projects from standard building needs to anything imaginable. Visit to learn more. Southwest Steel is a division of SME Industries, Inc.

• Health and Wellness Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Financial Benefits including competitive compensation and 401(k) plan.
• Additional Benefits including Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off, Employee Assistance Program, and more.

• Perform assigned duties within the requirements of the Project specifications, codes and standards as defined in contract documents and Company Quality Management system.
• Learn to review drawings for accuracy and provide interpretation for production personnel where needed through the fabrication process.
• Assist in monitoring welding and inspection equipment for compliance, ensure personnel are qualified and certified to operate the equipment.
• Assist in the performance of 100% visual welding inspection for weld quality, size and location. Provide dimensional verifications of fabricated members, as time allows, for compliance with industry standards.
• Learn the appropriate documentation for these inspections, testing and qualifications.
• Assist in completing Non-conformance reports and follow up on corrective actions.
• Assist in the performance of non-destructive testing of welds and materials.
• Study and keep current with new editions of the codes and standards.
• Perform duties in a timely manner to ensure contract scheduling issues.
• Maintaining inspection and test equipment in proper order, ensure equipment is properly calibrated for the work performed.
• Keep work area orderly and clean.
• Comply with the code of ethics for Inspectors as provided by the American Welding Society.
• Perform additional assignments as directed by the QA Supervisor.

Must be able to perform each essential duty daily.

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent, and 2 years of previous welding or Quality Control experience or similar trade school.
• Must be dependable, reliable, and mature enough to handle equipment in a safe and sensible manner.
• Ability to do simple math and/or algebraic formulas as deemed necessary by work type.
• The ability to understand the working mechanism of tools and machinery under their responsibility.
• Ability to communicate equipment problems, production quality numbers, and quality issues with proper individuals.
• Attend to detail; ability to communicate verbally and in writing, if necessary, with subordinates, co-workers, maintenance, supervisors and inspectors.
• Inspector in training or one holding a single in-hour certification.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 65 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to stand, kneel, bend, twist, and reach for extended periods and work from scaffolding and/or ladders as required.
• Physically fit to work in an industrial environment and tolerate exposure to varying physical conditions.
• Must be able to work extended hours when necessary.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate tools, equipment, and safety devices.
• Tolerance to loud noises, vibrations, dust, heat, and fumes within a fabrication shop environment.
• Ability to wear required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) includes safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, high visibility clothing, and hearing protection.

• Industrial warehouse and manufacturing environment with heavy machinery, and overhead cranes.
• Strict adherence to safety procedures and use of PPE is always mandatory.
• Frequent interaction with production staff, supervisors, safety personnel, and quality control teams.
• Exposure to hot and cold temperatures, depending on seasonal conditions.

This job posting reflects the current assignment of essential functions and is not meant to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may be assigned or reassigned to this position at any time.

SME Industries, Inc. and its divisions (SME Steel Contractors, Southwest Steel, Core Brace, Dura Fuse, and SME Logistics) is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or any other protected group status or non-job-related characteristic as directed by law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer-sponsored work authorization now or in the future. Proof of eligibility will be required upon hire.