1

Chief Welding Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Chief Inspector will prepare daily reports and data sheets and may be called upon to perform ... Coordinate welding operations between CWI and Radiography contractors. Requirements: * Personal ...

Welder

Kearney, NE · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Performs a variety of welding processes on production materials in accordance to required ... Can perform first piece inspection process using appropriate quality control tools. * Assures ...

The NACE Coating Inspector works cohesively with the Welding Inspector by verifying the coating ... Attend all construction, safety and project update meetings assigned by the Chief Inspector and ...

Welder

Huntsville, AL

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Performs fusion welding on aircraft and ground support equipment to a qualified Welding Procedures ... Maintains weld records * The incumbent may perform duties as a Qualified Weld Inspector by ...

Welder

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Performs fusion welding on aircraft and ground support equipment to a qualified Welding Procedures ... Maintains weld records * The incumbent may perform duties as a Qualified Weld Inspector by ...

Welder

Huntsville, AL

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Performs fusion welding on aircraft and ground support equipment to a qualified Welding Procedures ... Maintains weld records * The incumbent may perform duties as a Qualified Weld Inspector by ...

T1 Welder

Spanish Fork, UT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Our CEO, Ryan Porter, was named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025, and our CTO, Steve Lindsey ... Inspect your own work throughout the process, catching and correcting quality issues before parts ...

Our CEO, Ryan Porter, was named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 , and our CTO, Steve Lindsey ... Inspect your own work throughout the process, catching and correcting quality issues before parts ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chief Welding Inspector information

See salary details

$49.5K

$81.5K

$129K

How much do chief welding inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief welding inspector in the United States is $81,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Chief Welding Inspector when overseeing multiple projects simultaneously?

A Chief Welding Inspector often manages several projects at once, which can present challenges such as coordinating inspection schedules, ensuring consistent adherence to welding codes, and addressing diverse client requirements. Effective communication and delegation are essential, as inspectors must balance field inspections with documentation and reporting. Staying updated on the latest welding standards and quickly resolving on-site issues also become more complex when overseeing multiple teams or project locations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Welding Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Welding Inspector, you need deep knowledge of welding codes and standards, extensive hands-on welding experience, and certifications like CWI (Certified Welding Inspector). Proficiency with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and documentation systems is typically required. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure welding quality, regulatory compliance, and successful project delivery in safety-critical environments.

What are Chief Welding Inspectors?

Chief Welding Inspectors are senior professionals responsible for overseeing and ensuring the quality and safety of welding operations in construction, manufacturing, or industrial settings. They review welding procedures, conduct inspections, and verify that all welding work complies with relevant codes, standards, and project specifications. Additionally, they supervise and mentor welding inspectors, maintain documentation, and may be involved in training and certification processes. Their role is critical for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of welded components.

What is the difference between Chief Welding Inspector vs Welding Inspector?

AspectChief Welding InspectorWelding Inspector
CertificationsASME, AWS, or equivalent certifications, often with leadership experienceAWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and ensures compliance across sitesPerforms inspections on specific welds or projects, often under supervision
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, quality assurance, and compliance oversightInspection, testing, and documentation of welds

The Chief Welding Inspector typically holds higher certifications and oversees welding quality across projects, while Welding Inspectors focus on inspecting welds on individual projects. Both roles require welding certifications, but the Chief Welding Inspector has additional leadership and oversight responsibilities.

More about Chief Welding Inspector jobs
What job categories do people searching Chief Welding Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Welding Inspector jobs are:
Infographic showing various Chief Welding Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,466 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Chief Inspector

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Kleinfelder rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 368 rated engineering


Job description

Take Your Construction Career to the Next Level!

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Construction Services team is looking for you! From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America's infrastructure and supply chain and is a recognized industry leader with more than 25 accredited laboratories. 

Step into Your New Role

 

Kleinfelder is looking to add a Chief Inspector to our team in Augusta, ME, Portland, ME or Manchester, NH.

SIGN ON BONUS UP TO $5,000 FOR QUALIFIED CANDIDATES

& IF HIRED, ELIGIBLE FOR EMPLOYEE REFERRAL BONUSES FOR REFERRED EMPLOYEES

We provide Construction Inspection services to a broad range of State, local and national clients. We are looking for individuals who are interested in joining a dynamic team and building their career in the field of construction inspection.   We currently are working on many transportation projects in ME and NH.

Qualified candidates should possess strong initiative, be able to perform routine to complex inspection in the field and provide oversight and documentation of construction methods and contractor's operations in order to verify conformance to construction plans and specifications.  Experience with MaineDOT, NHDOT and Maine Turnpike are a plus.

The Chief Inspector will prepare daily reports and data sheets and may be called upon to perform various tasks at the discretion of the owner/supervisor.

Responsibilities:

  • Sound implementation of construction policies and procedures. Direct all aspects of the construction process to meet Company goals.
  • Monitor safety, compliance, productivity and workload as needed to maximize efficiencies and cost-effectiveness.
  • Facilitate and support the construction process.
  • Manage the utilization of resources to ensure safety, compliance and productivity. Monitor workload and re-balance as needed to maximize efficiency and cost effectiveness.
  • Ensure that all work is performed in accordance with Company standards and procedures Federal, DOT and OSHA; State and Local: codes, regulations and requirements.
  • Ensure accurate documentation of work including SOP's, work order historicals, daily completion reporting, sketches, Operator Qualification, etc.
  • Coordination of work packages to the team and ensuring representation on all projects before starting.
  • Coordinate all Field Meetings necessary to progress the projects, including pre-construction meetings, safety meetings, notifications and all daily tail gate / daily safety brief meetings.
  • Coordinate welding operations between CWI and Radiography contractors.     

Requirements:

  • Personal vehicle and valid driver's license
  • Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school required with course work in Building Inspection, Home Inspection, Construction Technology, Drafting and Mathematics.  Bachelor's degree preferred BUT experience will be reviewed and accepted for this position.
  • Preferred certifications:  ACI concrete certified, NETTCP paving certified, PCI certified and NACE level certification
  • Experience with daily reporting to include electronic software such as Appia or Field manager software; must be able to submit in PDF format via e-mail, Excel version of Daily Report with daily photos contained in the report by completion of workday.  
  • Must have portable computer for field use and device capable of taking pictures (smart phone or digital camera)
  • Five plus (5+) years of proven managerial experience with a focus on construction policies and practices.
  • Technical competence to prudently apply and support construction operations while adhering to National Grid policies and procedures.
  • Extensive knowledge of gas transmission and distribution systems, engineering, construction & maintenance practices, gas utilization equipment, gas metering; Federal, State, and Municipal Codes are essential.
  • Familiarity with Construction standards, Work Methods, Rules for Safe Operation, and associated procedures.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills are required, in addition to planning, organizing and computer skills.
  • Prior experience dealing with diverse groups such as gas and/or electric customers, government officials, etc. in a tactful and diplomatic manner is vital.
  • Ability to workdays or nights.
  • Ability to work extended workdays and prolonged work weeks as needed.
  • Ability to move work location as needed.
  • Candidate must be fluent with Microsoft Office programs. In particular, Outlook, Word and Excel.   

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder

Kleinfelder has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients' transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 85 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose - together, we deliver.

Progress with an Employer that Values You

Kleinfelder is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:

 

Benefits: Kleinfelder offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.

Career Development: We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.

Equal Opportunity: Kleinfelder is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES 

Please note that Kleinfelder does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder. 


What Kleinfelder employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom