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Api Inspection Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Research Engineer - Welding

Montpelier, IA · On-site

$36.50 - $50.25/hr

Establish working procedures for conducting NDE inspections utilizing conventional ultrasonic ... API, ABS, Lloyds, EN/ISO Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports This position has no ...

Ensure compliance with inspection schedules and regulatory requirements in alignment with industry codes (e.g., OSHA, ASME, API). * Review and analyze inspection data to identify trends, anomalies ...

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Api Inspection information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$29

How much do api inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for api inspection in Iowa is $18.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an api inspection?

An API Inspection job involves inspecting pressure vessels, piping systems, and storage tanks according to standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Inspectors assess equipment for corrosion, cracks, and other defects to ensure safety, compliance, and reliability in industries like oil and gas, power plants, and refineries. They use techniques such as visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, and magnetic particle testing. API Inspectors must be certified (e.g., API 510, API 570, API 653) and adhere to industry regulations to prevent failures and accidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in api inspection?

To thrive as an API Inspector, you need a solid understanding of inspection techniques, industrial codes (such as API 510, 570, or 653), and knowledge of corrosion and welding processes, often supported by relevant certifications. Proficiency in using inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment, and report generation systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you identify issues and clearly document findings. These abilities ensure safe, compliant operations and reliable inspection reporting in industries like oil, gas, and petrochemicals.

What typical challenges might an api inspector encounter on the job?

API Inspectors often work in environments that pose challenges such as difficult-to-access inspection sites, inclement weather, and tight deadlines to minimize production downtime. They must stay updated on evolving industry standards and regulations while accurately identifying issues like corrosion, leaks, or code non-compliance. Collaboration with maintenance crews, engineers, and management is common, as API Inspectors provide critical information for repair and maintenance decisions. Adaptability and a commitment to safety are crucial for managing these challenges and ensuring inspections are both thorough and efficient.

How do you become an API inspector?

To become an API inspector, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in nondestructive testing methods such as ultrasonic, radiographic, or magnetic particle testing. Certification from recognized organizations like the American Petroleum Institute (API) is often required, which involves passing written and practical exams, and gaining relevant work experience in the oil and gas or industrial inspection fields.

What does an API inspection do?

An API inspection involves evaluating equipment, materials, or processes to ensure compliance with standards set by the American Petroleum Institute. For API inspectors, this includes reviewing documentation, performing visual and functional assessments, and verifying that safety and quality requirements are met, often using specialized tools and following strict procedures. The role requires attention to detail, knowledge of industry codes, and certification in API standards.

What are popular job titles related to Api Inspection jobs in Iowa?

For Api Inspection jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Api Inspection jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Api Inspection jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Api Inspection job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,736 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Research Engineer - Welding

SSAB

Montpelier, IA • On-site

$36.50 - $50.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


SSAB rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Essential Functions
• Lead welding projects, review welding specifications and develop optimal welding practices for commercial and branded steel, and overlay products in accordance with industry standards and codes (AWS, ASME, API, etc.), or internal specifications. Assists in the design, execution and reporting of product/process development and/or quality improvement trials
• Oversee R&D's welding, thermal cutting and ultrasonic inspection equipment
• Interact with plant operating and technical services personnel on project or technical service activities (planning, execution and reporting). Assist with maintaining the welder qualification program at SSAB mills in North America.
• Review engineering designs for welding requirements and manage weldability testing and welding qualifications for commercial and branded plate products.
• Interpret data and provide recommendations to Operations or Commercial management with limited guidance from supervisor or team leader. Provide training for operations welding personnel
• Conduct failure analysis of welded components
• Provide consulting services and support customers with welding related issues
• Participate in weld-focused technical groups and professional organizations both internally and externally
• Prepare clear and concise written reports as required. May present technical papers within and outside the company
• Provide technical direction and supervision to research technicians and/or coop students working on welding related projects
• Review and interpret nondestructive examination (NDE) procedures and specifications. Establish working procedures for conducting NDE inspections utilizing conventional ultrasonic inspection and phased-array.
Education, Experience, and Competencies
Required:
• MSc. in Welding or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Strong technical writing and organizational skills
• Strong analytical capabilities
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good computer skills
Preferred:
• PhD in Welding or Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Background in material science
• Professional Engineer or Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) licensed welding engineer
• Good knowledge of metallurgy, welding metallurgy and weldability testing of steel
• Hands-on experience with arc welding processes (GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SMAW, SAW, etc.)
• Experience with welding of dissimilar materials and ultra-high strength steels
• Experience in using metallographic lab equipment and processes, including sample preparation, optical (LOM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
• Experience with mechanical testing and characterization of weldments, including bend testing, cross weld tensile testing, HAZ CVN testing, microhardness testing, chemical etching, and weldability testing methods to determine susceptibility to hydrogen cracking
• Experience in non-destructive testing (NDT), including ultrasonic testing (UT), dye-penetrant testing (PT), and magnetic particle testing (MT)
• Experience with industry codes and standards, including but not limited to AWS, ASME, ASTM, API, ABS, Lloyds, EN/ISO
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports
This position has no supervisory responsibilities but must maintain a close working relationship with R&D staff and other personnel.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The employee will frequently be required to:
• This position operates in an office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, network tools/equipment, phones, photocopiers and scanners. This role is partially sedentary (average of 6 hours per day), however, some standing and walking is required.
• The position requires working with laboratory equipment such as optical microscopes, SEM/EDS/EBSD, welding, bend testing, polishing machines, hardness testing, tensile testing, CVN testing, DWTT machine, band saws, thermal cutting, waterjet cutting, surface grinder, heat treating furnaces, and crane.
• The position requires preparing various acid solutions for etching steel specimens such as sulfuric acid, picric acid, oxalic, nital etc.
The employee will occasionally be required to:
• This position will periodically require work in the mill and in the field environment with some exposure to heat/cold, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, noise and wearing safety equipment/clothing for protection from hazards
• Some handling of materials is required. This would require the ability to walk, bend, kneel or stand, use of hands to finger, hold and handle, reach with hands and arms and to push/pull, lift or carry items up to 50 lbs.
• Drive or travel by airplane
The position requires the following vision and hearing capabilities:
• Talking person to person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Hearing in person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Vision at near, mid, and far range
Position Type - Work Hours - Travel Requirements
• Position is full time, exempt and works regular day shift Monday through Friday - additional hours as needed
• Travel 25% of time in the field or at other SSAB locations
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Our Offer
SSAB BENEFITS - starting at hire!
• Excellent Pay with Additional Bonus
• Very Affordable Health Insurance
üBlue Cross/Blue Shield Medical
ü CVS/Caremark Prescription
ü Delta Dental
ü Superior Vision
• 401(k) with Employer Match - 5%
• Profit Sharing
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Company Paid Life Insurance - and STD and LTD*
• Optional Life, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

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