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Performance Welding Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Conduct welder performance qualification (WPQ) testing and verify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) are current and being followed correctly. * Test and ...

Traveling Certified Welding Inspector

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$27 - $36.75/hr

Conduct welder performance qualification (WPQ) testing and verify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) are current and being followed correctly. * Test and ...

Traveling Certified Welding Inspector

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$25.25 - $34.25/hr

Conduct welder performance qualification (WPQ) testing and verify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) are current and being followed correctly. * Test and ...

Conduct welder performance qualification (WPQ) testing and verify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) are current and being followed correctly. * Test and ...

Traveling Certified Welding Inspector

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$27 - $36.50/hr

Conduct welder performance qualification (WPQ) testing and verify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) are current and being followed correctly. * Test and ...

Traveling Certified Welding Inspector

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$25.25 - $34.25/hr

Conduct welder performance qualification (WPQ) testing and verify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) are current and being followed correctly. * Test and ...

Welder

Busch, AR

$17 - $22.50/hr

Comply with hot permit policy Assist with the layout and repair of metal equipment necessary for park operation Responsible for welding safety at all times Dependable performance in terms of ...

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Performance Welding information

See Arkansas salary details

$12

$24

$37

How much do performance welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance welding in Arkansas is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is performance welding?

Performance welding refers to advanced welding techniques used to create high-quality, precise, and durable welds, often for applications that require superior strength and reliability. This type of welding is commonly used in industries like automotive racing, aerospace, and manufacturing where components must withstand extreme conditions. Performance welders use specialized equipment and materials, and they must have a deep understanding of various welding processes, metallurgy, and safety standards. Their skills ensure that welded joints meet strict specifications and performance requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a performance welder?

To thrive as a Performance Welder, you need advanced welding skills, in-depth knowledge of metallurgy, and typically industry certifications such as AWS or ASME qualifications. Familiarity with specialized welding equipment, CNC machinery, and inspection systems is essential for precision and quality control. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong teamwork are crucial soft skills that set top performers apart in this field. These abilities ensure high-quality, safe, and efficient fabrication of components in demanding industrial and performance-focused environments.

What are some common challenges faced by performance welding professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Performance Welding professionals often work on high-precision, custom projects such as automotive racing parts or aerospace components, where meeting tight tolerances and quality standards is critical. Common challenges include working with specialized metals, interpreting complex blueprints, and ensuring welds meet strict performance requirements. To address these challenges, welders should stay current with industry certifications, continuously improve their skills with advanced welding techniques, and collaborate closely with engineers and quality control teams. A strong attention to detail and proactive communication are also essential for success in this demanding environment.

What is the difference between Performance Welding vs Structural Welding?

AspectPerformance WeldingStructural Welding
CertificationsAWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS D1.1AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS D1.1
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, industrial plants, quality controlConstruction sites, bridges, buildings
Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotiveConstruction, infrastructure projects

Performance Welding focuses on ensuring weld quality and adherence to standards, often in manufacturing or quality control settings. Structural Welding involves building and repairing large structures like bridges and buildings. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, their primary focus differs: Performance Welding emphasizes quality assurance, whereas Structural Welding emphasizes construction and structural integrity.

What are popular job titles related to Performance Welding jobs in Arkansas?

For Performance Welding jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Performance Welding jobs in Arkansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Performance Welding jobs in Arkansas are:

Infographic showing various Performance Welding job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,236 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Traveling Certified Welding Inspector

JGM

Little Rock, AR

$27 - $36.75/hr

Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

About the Role
JGM is looking for an experienced, AWS-Certified Welding Inspector to join our Quality team as a Traveling CWI. This is a 100% field-based, traveling role - you'll be on the road and on active erection sites across the country, testing welders, inspecting structural steel welds, and making sure the paperwork behind every joint holds up to code. You'll work directly with erectors, welders, project engineers, and outside inspection agencies at each site to keep quality on track from first pass to final sign-off, then move on to the next project.
What You'll Do
  • Perform visual and dimensional weld inspections on structural steel members in accordance with AWS D1.1, AISC 360, and applicable project specifications.
  • Conduct welder performance qualification (WPQ) testing and verify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) are current and being followed correctly.
  • Test and requalify welders as needed, and maintain accurate, up-to-date qualification records for all welding personnel.
  • Review erection drawings, weld maps, and specifications to confirm welds and fit-up meet design intent during field erection.
  • Coordinate visual inspection and review resulting reports for completeness and accuracy, as well as third party UT inspections as needed.
  • Document all inspections, non-conformances, and corrective actions clearly and thoroughly - inspection reports, weld logs, NCRs, and daily QC reports that hold up to client and AHJ scrutiny.
  • Assemble and maintain quality documentation packages (mill certs, WPS/PQR/WPQ records, NDE reports, inspection reports) for project turnover and client submittal.
  • Serve as the on-site point of contact for third-party inspectors, AHJs, and client quality representatives; help resolve field and shop welding issues in real time.
  • Flag discrepancies between project specifications and code minimums, and loop in the Director of Quality on anything outside your authority to resolve.
  • Support root cause analysis and corrective action reporting when quality issues come up.
  • Travel continuously between active job sites nationwide as project schedules require, often on short notice and for extended durations.

What You Bring
  • Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification - required.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on weld inspection experience in structural steel fabrication and/or erection.
  • Solid working knowledge of AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code and AISC fabrication/erection standards; familiarity with ASTM material specifications.
  • Experience testing and qualifying welders, and reviewing/verifying WPS, PQR, and WPQ documentation.
  • Comfortable reading structural drawings, weld symbols, and connection details, and catching discrepancies before they become field problems.
  • Strong written communication - your inspection reports and NCRs need to be clear enough that anyone downstream understands the issue and the fix.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); comfortable picking up project documentation or QC tracking software.
  • Willing and able to travel 100% of the time, including extended overnight and multi-week assignments away from home, with a valid driver's license.
  • Able to pass a background check and drug screen; JGM is a drug-free workplace.
  • Additional certifications a plus: ASNT Level II (UT/MT/PT), AISC/IAS fabricator inspection experience.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
  • Regularly works outdoors on active construction/erection sites, in varying weather and temperatures, at a different site or region as assignments rotate.
  • Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and work at heights while following all fall-protection and site safety requirements.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and remain on your feet for extended periods.
  • Required to wear all applicable PPE (safety-toed footwear, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, high-visibility vest, etc.).
  • Good vision (corrected or uncorrected) sufficient to detect weld defects, read gauges, and interpret drawings; ability to work in areas with dirt, dust, fumes, and noise typical of a fab shop or job site.

Why JGM
JGM is an AISC-certified structural steel fabricator and industrial construction company with deep Pennsylvania roots and a national field footprint. We take pride in the work that leaves our shops and the crews who put it in place - this role sits right at the center of that, making sure every weld we sign off on is one we'd stand behind.
  • Competitive pay, commensurate with experience
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Travel and per diem covered per company policy - this is a fully field-based traveling role
  • Training and support toward continuing certifications