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Welding Inspection Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate is an active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) with proven experience leading welding teams, implementing welding procedures, and partnering with Production, Engineering, and ...

Perform weld inspections and quality audits using visual inspection methods, weld gauges, fillet gauges, calipers, tape measures, and other inspection tools. * Partner with Engineering and Quality ...

Perform weld inspections and quality audits using visual inspection methods, weld gauges, fillet gauges, calipers, tape measures, and other inspection tools. * Partner with Engineering and Quality ...

Certified Welding Inspector

Woodbridge, VA ยท On-site

$30.25 - $42.25/hr

Prepare inspection reports and provide written documentation of observations and testing of ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ...

Certified Welding Inspector

Woodbridge, VA

$28 - $37.75/hr

Prepare inspection reports and provide written documentation of observations and testing of ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ...

Certified Welding Inspector I

Bracey, VA ยท On-site

$38 - $45/hr

Previous bridge fabrication inspection (QC or QA) experience. * API 510 OR API 653 * NDT Level I or ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)-will be verified through www.aws ...

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Welding Inspection information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$25

$40

How much do welding inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding inspection in Virginia is $25.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are welding inspectors in high demand?

Welding inspectors are in high demand across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy due to the need for quality control and safety compliance. The job often requires certifications like AWS or ASME, and employment prospects are strong in regions with ongoing infrastructure and industrial projects.

What are some common challenges faced by welding inspectors on construction sites?

Welding inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in harsh or confined environments, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring that welds comply with stringent codes and standards. They must frequently communicate findings to both welders and project managers, sometimes needing to resolve conflicts or clarify technical requirements. Staying updated with evolving industry standards and maintaining meticulous documentation are also key aspects of the role, requiring strong attention to detail and effective teamwork.

How to get into welding inspection?

To become a welding inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in welding technology and inspection standards. Earning certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is often required and involves passing written and practical exams; gaining experience in welding or fabrication also enhances job prospects.

Is welding inspection a good career?

Welding inspection is a stable career that involves examining welds for quality and safety, often requiring certifications such as AWS or ASNT. It offers opportunities in manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors, with a typical schedule involving on-site inspections and the need for attention to detail and technical knowledge. The profession can provide steady employment and advancement potential for those with proper training and experience.

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

To thrive as a Welding Inspector, you need a solid understanding of welding processes, metallurgy, and quality standards, typically supported by certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and industry codes like ASME and API is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication skills help ensure precise evaluations and effective collaboration with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of welded structures in various industries.

What is welding inspection?

Welding inspection is the process of examining welded joints to ensure they meet specific standards and requirements for quality, safety, and performance. Inspectors use various methods, including visual checks and non-destructive testing techniques, to detect defects such as cracks, porosity, or incomplete fusion. The goal is to confirm that welds are structurally sound and adhere to codes or project specifications. Proper welding inspection helps prevent failures, ensuring the integrity and safety of structures or products.

What is the difference between Welding Inspection vs Welding Quality Control?

AspectWelding InspectionWelding Quality Control
CertificationsASNT, AWS CWIAWS QC1, CWI often preferred
Work EnvironmentOn-site inspections, field environmentsOffice and field, process oversight
Primary FocusVerifying welds meet standardsDeveloping and maintaining welding procedures
Employer UsageConstruction, manufacturing, oil & gasManufacturing plants, fabrication shops

Welding Inspection involves examining welds to ensure they meet quality standards, often requiring certifications like AWS CWI. Welding Quality Control focuses on developing procedures and overseeing welding processes. While both roles ensure weld integrity, Inspection is more about verification, whereas Quality Control emphasizes process management.

Infographic showing various Welding Inspection job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,056 per year, or $26 per hour.

Electromechanical Quality Inspector Level II - Welding - GO

SQA Services

Lexington, VA โ€ข On-site

$32 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

For more than 30 years, SQA Services has provided managed supplier quality services, including inspections, audits, corrective actions, remediation, and engineering support. We deploy experienced quality professionals globally to support client and supplier sites on demand.
 

SQA Services is seeking an Electromechanical Quality Inspector (Level 2) to support a major data center infrastructure program at a supplier facility in Lexington, Virginia.

This role focuses on inspection activities related to chillers, air handling units, structural fabrication, and electromechanical assemblies. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical inspection and welding inspection experience, along with the ability to support production quality activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is a full-time, on-site contract role with immediate need and potential for extension.

  • Location: Lexington, VA
  • Schedule: Monday – Friday (40 hours/week)
  • Shift: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (flexible)
  • Duration: 3 months (potential extension)
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform in-process and final inspections on chillers, air handling units, and electromechanical assemblies
  • Conduct visual, dimensional, and welding inspections per drawings and specifications
  • Inspect structural fabrication, rivets, and mechanical assemblies
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and witness inspections
  • Verify supplier execution to inspection plans and quality requirements
  • Review and compile inspection documentation and sign-off packages
  • Identify and document nonconformances and support corrective action closure
  • Provide weekly updates on production and quality performance
  • Utilize Google Sheets, Gmail, and Google Drive for reporting and communication
  • Read and interpret basic wiring diagrams and engineering drawings
Required Qualifications
  • Experience performing electromechanical inspections in manufacturing environments
  • Strong background in welding inspection and structural fabrication
  • Minimum of:
    • 5+ years of professional welding inspection experience, OR
    • 3+ years of experience with ASME or CWI certification
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and basic wiring diagrams
  • Experience with visual, dimensional, and witness inspections
  • Comfortable using Google Sheets, Gmail, and Google Drive
  • Ability to work independently on-site in a production environment
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with HVAC systems, chillers, or air handling units
  • Experience supporting data center or industrial equipment projects
  • Familiarity with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
  • Experience supporting supplier quality or third-party inspections
Note:
 
SQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.​
 
This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles. As such, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered for this role.
 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.