Welding & Fabrication Compliance and Quality Specialist

Job Description

The Welding & Fabrication Compliance and Quality Specialist is responsible for ensuring welding and fabrication activities comply with applicable codes, standards, customer requirements, and internal quality management systems. As a key member of the Quality organization, this role serves as the subject matter expert for weld quality and fabrication compliance across pipe fabrication and structural steel operations.

• Serve as the primary quality resource for welding and fabrication compliance activities.
• Perform and oversee inspections of welded pipe systems and structural steel fabrications to verify compliance with applicable codes, specifications, drawings, and customer requirements.
• Ensure adherence to applicable standards such as AWS, ASME, API, AISC, and customer‑specific requirements.
• Champion weld quality initiatives and promote a culture of compliance and continuous improvement throughout fabrication operations.
• Review welding documentation, including Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ), inspection records, and quality documentation.
• Develop, implement, and maintain inspection protocols, procedures, checklists, and acceptance criteria for fabrication and welding operations.
• Support and mentor quality inspectors to ensure consistent inspection practices.
• Coordinate inspection activities and ensure proper execution of quality plans and inspection test plans (ITPs).
• Assist in evaluating and improving inspection methodologies.
• Support internal and external audits related to welding, fabrication, and quality compliance.
• Lead investigations of welding and fabrication nonconformances.
• Conduct root cause analysis and facilitate corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes.
• Track and verify effectiveness of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and quality teams to resolve quality issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• Maintain documentation and reporting related to nonconformance trends and quality performance metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve fabrication quality, inspection effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
• Analyze quality data and inspection results to identify recurring issues and process improvement opportunities.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on weld quality, compliance, and defect reduction.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting tools to monitor weld quality performance.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to inspectors, welders, supervisors, and production personnel.
• Support training programs related to welding standards, inspection techniques, quality requirements, and compliance expectations.
• Promote best practices in welding quality, documentation, and inspection activities.
• Assist in qualification and competency assessments for inspection personnel.

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) or associates degree majoring in Welding Technology.
• 5+ years of experience in welding inspection, fabrication quality, or quality assurance within industrial, manufacturing, structural steel, or pipe fabrication environments.
• Strong knowledge of welding processes, weld discontinuities, fabrication practices, and inspection methods.
• Experience inspecting both piping systems and structural steel fabrications.
• Experience managing nonconformances, root cause analysis, and CAPA processes.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, welding symbols, specifications, and applicable codes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with quality documentation, inspection reporting, and Microsoft Office applications.

• Additional certifications such as NDE/NDT Level II, API certifications, or ASNT qualifications.
• Experience with ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience supporting customer, regulatory, and third‑party audits.

• Welding…