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Steel Fabrication Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SME

Structural Steel Fabrication Inspector (CWI)

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$27 - $36.50/hr

... inspector (QAI) to provide oversight for state and local agency Department of Transportation (DOT) clients, that have materials that are produced at established structural steel fabrication ...

Qualdoc

Steel Fabrication Quality Inspector

Richmond, VA · On-site

$31/hr

Steel Fabrication Quality Inspector Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Shift: 1st Shift Starting Pay: $31/hour, with higher pay available based on experience Position Summary Seeking ...

Freedom Waterworks

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Manager of Steel Fabrication

Houston, TX · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Manager of Steel Fabrication ----Department: Steel FLSA Status: Exempt Job Status: Full Time ... Oversee welding procedures, inspections, preventive maintenance, and material availability to ...

CDH Inc.

Structural Steel QA/QC Inspector

El Dorado, KS

$25 - $35/hr

Experienced Structural Steel Fabrication Shop Quality Control (QC) Technician for CD&H Inc. in El ... Perform inspections of structural steel fabrication throughout all stages of production. * Verify ...

Qualdoc

Structural Steel Quality Inspector

Arlington, TN · On-site

$32/hr

Minimum 2 years of structural steel fabrication experience. * Experience in quality control, inspection, or a related manufacturing environment. * Working knowledge of AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5, and AISC ...

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How much do steel fabrication inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for steel fabrication inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a steel fabrication inspector?

A Steel Fabrication Inspector is responsible for ensuring that fabricated steel structures and components meet industry standards, project specifications, and safety regulations. They inspect welds, dimensions, coatings, and overall quality through visual checks and non-destructive testing methods. Inspectors also review blueprints, verify material compliance, and document their findings in reports. Their role is essential in maintaining the structural integrity and safety of steel constructions in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a steel fabrication inspector?

To excel as a Steel Fabrication Inspector, you need a solid understanding of steel fabrication processes, quality control standards, blueprint reading, and typically a background in engineering or construction. Familiarity with tools such as calipers, micrometers, weld gauges, and quality management systems (QMS) as well as certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills will set you apart in this role. These capabilities are critical for ensuring fabricated steel meets safety, industry, and project specifications, while also facilitating clear collaboration between manufacturing teams and project stakeholders.

What are some common challenges steel fabrication inspectors encounter on the job?

Steel Fabrication Inspectors often face challenges such as identifying subtle defects in complex fabricated components, keeping up with evolving industry standards, and managing tight project schedules. You may need to navigate communication between fabricators, engineers, and project managers to resolve discrepancies or clarify technical requirements. The role can also involve frequent site visits and working in industrial environments, which requires attention to safety practices. However, these challenges offer opportunities to develop expertise, build strong professional relationships, and contribute directly to the quality and safety of large-scale construction projects.

How to become a steel fabrication inspector?

To become a steel fabrication inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in welding, fabrication, or construction. Earning certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or NASP Structural Steel Inspector can improve job prospects, and familiarity with inspection tools and safety standards is essential.

Is welding inspection a good career?

Welding inspection is a valuable career within steel fabrication inspection, involving the assessment of weld quality to ensure safety and compliance with standards. It often requires certifications such as AWS or ASME, and inspectors work in industrial environments with tools like ultrasonic testers and visual inspection equipment. The role offers steady employment opportunities with potential for advancement in the manufacturing and construction industries.
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Steel Fabrication Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Steel Fabrication Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Structural Steel Fabrication Inspector (CWI)

SME

Plymouth, MI • On-site

$27 - $36.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Opportunity:
This is a full-time position for a quality assurance inspector (QAI) to provide oversight for state and local agency Department of Transportation (DOT) clients, that have materials that are produced at established structural steel fabrication facilities throughout the United States. Our projects typically consist of fabrication of bridge structural members and ancillary components, in accordance with the American welding Society (AWS) D1.5 Bridge Welding Code and per the Michigan DOT (MDOT) standards and client specifications. Occasionally, other projects opportunities outside of the fabrication facility may include erection and detailing reviews in the field for new and existing buildings, DOT structures and bridges, industrial settings, and utility structures. This position requires approximately 70% travel.
The right candidate must have significant knowledge of AWS codes and DOT standards and have demonstrable experience in a similar or related position. This person would replace a retiring team member that has held this position for several years, as well as support other existing team members that continue to perform these services. Existing experience will be supplemented by project specific transitional training by our established team members.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform QAI services at fabrication facilities and provide oversight of the fabrication facility's quality control (QC), throughout the United States, on behalf of SME's clients.
  • Occasionally assisting with additional specialty reviews for structural steel, nondestructive testing, coatings, laboratory, or other services as needed to support other projects or services groups within SME.

Requirements:
  • A current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
  • Significant working knowledge and experience with AWS D1.1 and D1.5, and DOT standards.
  • Demonstrable experience in a similar or related position.
  • Ability to review and interpret structural steel plans, working drawings, and technical specifications.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • A good safety and driving record.
  • Approximately 70% travel.
  • Preferred but not required: knowledge and/or certifications associated with nondestructive testing (UT, MT, PT), additional ASNT or AWS endorsements, structural bolting, coatings, and/or additional building code special inspections.

SME's Core Values:
  • Honestly and Integrity
  • Respect
  • Selfless Service
  • Teamwork
  • Practical Solutions

Benefits:
At SME, we believe that taking care of our employees is the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to your well-being goes beyond a job; it is about helping you thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a benefits package that is not simply meeting an expectation, but a key component of your overall job satisfaction. The following list highlights many of the benefits SME offers its employees.
  • SME provides Medical, Dental, and Vision after 30 days of employment.
  • SME covers the premium cost of medical insurance so that you and your families never have to worry about the costs of healthcare.
  • 401k match
  • Yearly profit sharing that goes directly into your 401k
  • Yearly performance bonuses
  • Yearly wage evaluations
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Time Off
  • Volunteer Time Off

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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