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Certified Associate Welding Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR

Experience as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) on commercial projects. * Ability to perform inspection, construction inspection, and steel inspection. * Proficiency in non-destructive testing (NDT ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) * American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level II certification in more than one of the following areas: Visual ...

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and AWS certification. * Experience in welding inspection, process control, and welding supervision. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Experience in purge welding.

Weld Engineer CWI

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification. * Minimum 8 years of welding engineering, fabrication, welding quality, or related industrial experience. * Advanced knowledge of: * AWS ...

Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification. * Minimum 8 years of welding engineering, fabrication, welding quality, or related industrial experience. * Advanced knowledge of: * AWS ...

New

Senior Construction Inspector

Portland, OR · On-site

$36.75 - $57/hr

Associates degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Construction Engineering Technology preferred ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ...

Associates degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Construction Engineering Technology preferred ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ...

Associates degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Construction Engineering Technology preferred ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ...

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Certified Associate Welding Inspector information

See Portland, OR salary details

$16

$33

$48

How much do certified associate welding inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified associate welding inspector in Portland, OR is $33.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.80 and $38.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Certified Associate Welding Inspector?

A Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) is an entry-level certification awarded by the American Welding Society (AWS) to individuals who have demonstrated fundamental knowledge of welding inspection principles. CAWIs assist Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWI) in performing inspections, verifying welding procedures, and ensuring that welds meet specified standards. This credential is ideal for those beginning a career in welding inspection, offering valuable experience and the foundation to advance to higher certification levels. CAWIs work under the direct supervision of a CWI or SCWI and play an important role in maintaining welding quality and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Associate Welding Inspector?

To thrive as a Certified Associate Welding Inspector, you need a solid understanding of welding processes, codes, and standards, typically supported by an AWS CAWI certification and relevant technical training. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and documentation systems is essential for accurate assessments. Attention to detail, effective communication, and integrity are important soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure welding quality, regulatory compliance, and the safety of structures and personnel.

What are some common challenges faced by Certified Associate Welding Inspectors during on-site inspections?

Certified Associate Welding Inspectors often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex welding codes, working in varying environmental conditions, and ensuring safety compliance in diverse settings. They must pay close attention to detail while inspecting welds to identify defects or deviations from standards, which can sometimes be difficult in tight or hazardous spaces. Effective communication with welders, supervisors, and senior inspectors is essential to resolve quality issues and maintain project timelines. Developing strong organizational and observational skills will help overcome these challenges and contribute to successful inspections.

What is the difference between Certified Associate Welding Inspector vs Certified Welding Inspector?

CriteriaCertified Associate Welding InspectorCertified Welding Inspector
CertificationsRequires ASA or AWS certification for associate levelRequires AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification
Work EnvironmentEntry-level inspection, quality control, and compliance tasksAdvanced inspection, code compliance, and certification responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, and fabrication firmsConstruction, oil & gas, and heavy industry sectors

The Certified Associate Welding Inspector is an entry-level certification focusing on basic inspection skills, while the Certified Welding Inspector is a more advanced credential requiring additional experience and certification. Both roles are essential in welding quality assurance, but the CWI offers broader responsibilities and recognition in the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Certified Associate Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR?

For Certified Associate Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Certified Associate Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Associate Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Certified Associate Welding Inspector job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,515 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Certified Welding Inspector

Actalent

Tualatin, OR

$38 - $55/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Welding Inspector

Job Description

We are seeking a diligent and detail-oriented Welding Inspector to perform inspections in accordance with approved plans, specifications, and applicable codes. This role requires expertise in reading and interpreting construction documents and structural details, conducting field testing and inspections, and preparing accurate and timely reports. Effective communication and a commitment to safety are essential, as is a dedication to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

  • Perform welding inspections in compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.
  • Read and interpret construction documents, RFIs, and structural details.
  • Conduct required field testing and inspections within the scope of certification.
  • Prepare accurate and timely daily reports.
  • Communicate effectively with project managers, contractors, and internal staff.
  • Maintain and pursue relevant certifications.
  • Uphold strong safety practices in all field environments.
  • Participate in continuing education and professional development.

Essential Skills

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in construction inspection.
  • Experience as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) on commercial projects.
  • Ability to perform inspection, construction inspection, and steel inspection.
  • Proficiency in non-destructive testing (NDT) and NDT Level II certification.
  • Valid driver's license.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • OBOA or WABO certification or ability to obtain it within a few months.
  • Nuclear Density Gauge training and certification is a plus.
  • Preferred certifications include ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician, ICC certifications, and experience with concrete and asphalt.

Work Environment

This role is predominantly field-based, requiring travel to various sites around Portland. While travel outside Portland is not mandatory, it is encouraged for those advancing in the role. A company vehicle may be provided for site visits. The first project will most likely be at a medical center in North Portland, focusing on concrete inspections initially and transitioning to full steel inspection work. Projects span across commercial, mixed-use, multi-family, schools, and highway scopes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tualatin, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tualatin,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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