Certified Welding Inspector

Job Overview

Chesapeake Shipbuilding is seeking an experienced Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to join our growing team in Salisbury, Maryland. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in structural steel welding inspection, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of workmanship while supporting production in a fast‑paced shipbuilding environment.

This is a full‑time, benefits eligible, non‑exempt position.

• Competitive Pay: $33.00/hr – $40.00/hr depending on experience
• $1,000 Sign‑On Bonus: paid in two installments after 60 and 180 days of continuous employment for eligible full‑time positions.
• Relocation Assistance: for those located outside of the Salisbury, MD area.
• Employee Referral Bonus: earn $500 for each referred candidate who is hired.
• Comprehensive
  
  Health Benefits:
  
  medical, dental, and vision coverage available for employees and their families. Full‑time employees are eligible beginning the first day of the month following their start date.
• Company‑Paid Insurance: $20,000 AD&D life insurance and short‑term disability coverage provided at no cost to full‑time employees.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): available for eligible employees.
• 401(k) with 5% company match: available for full‑time and part‑time employees.
• Paid Holidays: six company‑paid holidays each year.
• Paid Sick and Vacation:
  • 80 hours during your first year
  • 96 hours after 1 year
  • 144 hours after 5 years
  • 168 hours after 10 years
• Career Growth Opportunities: advance within your department or explore opportunities across the shipyard while working with a supportive and empowered team.
• Overtime Opportunities: available for hours worked beyond 40 per week.

Reports to: QC Inspector / Shipyard Superintendent / Vice President.

Major responsibilities: safely and efficiently perform the inspection of welding and fabrication of steel vessels subject to US Coast Guard inspection and certification. Have an aggressive work ethic with a focus on production.

• Perform visual inspections of welds, fit‑ups, and assemblies, including pre‑weld, in‑process, and final checks.
• Conduct non‑destructive testing (NDT) including soap and air leak testing, hydrostatic tank testing, and dye penetrant inspections.
• Set up, supervise, and evaluate welder qualification tests (manual and semi‑automatic welding processes).
• Communicate with workers, management, outside inspection agencies, and government inspectors.
• Maintain detailed, legible, and organized inspection records and documentation.
• Assist in welding operations when not actively inspecting, depending on workload and needs.
• Support implementation of corrective actions for non‑conformances or weld defects.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of welding standards, training programs, and best practices.
• Create coupons and assess all pre‑employment weld tests.
• All other duties as assigned based on operational needs.

• Experience with structural steel welding inspection.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
• Experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, salvage support, or other industrial construction settings is preferred.
• Aggressive work ethic with a focus on production.
• Solid knowledge of welding codes, procedures, and specifications (e.g., AWS D1.1, NAVSEA, etc.).
• Proven experience and certifications in 3G/4G and 6G welding processes from ABS, USCG or AWS.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and welding symbols.
• Familiar with welding symbols, procedures, and specifications.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word); experience with AutoCAD or Solid Works is a plus.
• Must be able to take detailed verbal and written instructions and convert them into actionable tasks.
• Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills: verbal and written English.
• Proven knowledge of safe use of tools and equipment.
• Must be organized, self‑directed, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Pre‑employment drug screen, physical background check required.
• Pass pre‑employment welding test.

• All types of…