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Welding Inspector Trainee Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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We are seeking a Production Trainee to learn the operation of automated and semi-automated wire ... Inspect finished products for weld quality and proper dimensions. * Stack, bundle, tag, and prepare ...

QA Technician II

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Quality Assurance Technician II CWI Certified Welding Inspector is a requirement !! Who We Are ... trainee or Level I/equivalent in any one or more areas of technical expertise: ACI Field Test ...

QA Technician II

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Quality Assurance Technician II CWI Certified Welding Inspector is a requirement !! Who We Are ... trainee or Level I/equivalent in any one or more areas of technical expertise: ACI Field Test ...

QA Technician II

Grand Prairie, TX

$30 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Quality Assurance Technician II CWI Certified Welding Inspector is a requirement !! Who We Are ... trainee or Level I/equivalent in any one or more areas of technical expertise: ACI Field Test ...

... weld passes ultrasonic (UT) inspection. You do NOT need pole experience to start here. If you can ... JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Fitter Trainee lays out ...

Welder C - Telecom Days

Conroe, TX

$18 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AWS Certification required for specific Welding operations. * Must have passed Welder Trainee certification and be AWS certified in MIG welding to meet MT and UT inspection quality assurance. * Basic ...

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Welding Inspector Trainee information

See Texas salary details

$8

$19

$34

How much do welding inspector trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding inspector trainee in Texas is $19.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $21.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a welding inspector trainee?

Welding Inspector Trainees are individuals who are learning to inspect welded joints and structures to ensure they meet specific codes, standards, and safety regulations. Under the supervision of experienced inspectors, trainees gain hands-on experience in visual inspections, reviewing documentation, and understanding weld procedures. They typically assist with identifying welding defects, measuring weld dimensions, and reporting findings. This role is essential for developing the skills and knowledge needed to become a certified welding inspector in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a welding inspector trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Welding Inspector Trainee, you need a solid understanding of welding processes, basic metallurgy, and blueprint reading, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant training. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and a willingness to pursue certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are typically expected. Attention to detail, strong observation skills, and effective communication help trainees accurately assess weld quality and collaborate with welders and supervisors. These skills ensure safe, high-quality welds and compliance with industry standards, which are critical for structural integrity and project success.

What are some common challenges faced by a welding inspector trainee during their initial months on the job?

As a Welding Inspector Trainee, one of the main challenges you'll encounter is learning to accurately interpret welding codes and standards while adapting to the fast-paced environment of construction or manufacturing sites. Trainees often need to quickly develop observational skills to identify welding defects and ensure proper documentation, all while working closely with experienced inspectors, welders, and engineers. Gaining confidence in communicating findings and recommendations, sometimes in high-pressure situations, is another key aspect of the learning curve. Support from mentors and a willingness to ask questions are invaluable during this period.

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

AspectWelding Inspector TraineeWelding Inspector
CertificationsBasic safety and introductory welding certificationsAdvanced certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused settings on job sitesIndependent inspections on construction, manufacturing, or industrial sites
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting inspectors, observing, learning inspection proceduresPerforming detailed weld inspections, ensuring code compliance

The main difference between a Welding Inspector Trainee and a Welding Inspector is experience and certification level. Trainees are in learning mode, assisting experienced inspectors, while inspectors are fully qualified professionals responsible for conducting inspections independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding Inspector jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Welding Inspector jobs in Texas are:

What job categories do people searching Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Welding Inspector Trainee jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Welding Inspector Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Welding Inspector Trainee job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,545 per year, or $19 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Challenge Manufacturing rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

519th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing's mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.


Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge's success!


Challenge is#QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!


Who We Want:

Provide production support by performing setup, troubleshooting and operations of automated welding cells within the production facility, as well as implementing best practices and proactively assess welding/robotic applications.

What You'll Do:

  • Follow all safety procedures and protocols while servicing or maintaining equipment
  • Mentor and support Weld Technician trainees
  • Machine cleaning
  • Proficiency and understanding of the use of hand measurement tools
  • Understanding of how to use a Multimeter
  • Perform weld tip/cap changes and weld gun maintenance
  • Perform change over process of stationary welders, change out cells, automated cells
  • Perform preventative maintenance on fixtures and cells including proper lubrication of components
  • Able to run Red Rabbit process and troubleshoot issues if a failure occurs (i.e., properly adjust sensors or switches)
  • Basic understanding of weld fixture adjustment process
  • Understanding of types, uses, replacement and setup of common sensors
  • Basic welding technology troubleshooting (i.e., resistance spot welding applications, weld tip inspection, tip force, shunt cable inspection/replacement, etc.), GMAW component knowledge and troubleshooting (i.e., nozzle, tip, diffuser inspection, inspection/replacement of gooseneck, welding torch, etc.)
  • Plex utilization (Documentation, locate parts and components in Plex directory, work orders, find set-up documentation, down time codes)
  • Basic welding (theory and experience, resistance welding, projection welding, GMAW welding, acetylene torch usage
  • Basic knowledge of dispense systems (i.e., changing barrels properly, visual inspection of system), replacement of nozzles, fittings or components)
  • Nut feeder operational understanding and when needed adjustment (i.e., inspection for proper level of nuts, spear alignment, clearing a jam condition)
  • Basic cell resets (i.e., Homing cell, robot, and tooling)
  • Touching up of robotic programmed points within a program

When and Where:

This will be a B Shift / 4:00PM - 2:30AM M-F position located at our Plant in Northlake, TX.

What You Need to Have:

  • High School Graduate or equivalent
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level sufficient to safely and effectively perform job duties, including following work instructions, safety procedures, and company communications.
  • Industrial truck and aerial platform licenses
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Experience with Microsoft applications (i.e., word, excel, outlook, etc.)
  • Successful completion of Weld Tech curriculum with passing grade (including external candidates)
  • Successful completion of Weld Tech trainee period (excluding external candidates)
  • Weld Tech trainees must successfully complete a probationary period and corresponding qualification card
  • Has high standards of performance for self. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes. Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.
  • Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress. Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts.
  • Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.
  • Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow. Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of customers.
  • Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates through all job responsibilities. Maintains knowledge and skills to perform job effectively.
  • Has ability to focus on benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive/objective manner; views change as learning opportunity.
  • Looks for good in others; works collaboratively with others; shares information and knowledge.
  • Updates and relays pertinent information to oncoming shift
  • Is at work when scheduled and ensures coverage when absent; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses time wisely.
  • Ability to read and interpret job element sheets
  • Ability to navigate teach pendant or flex pendant
  • Ability to manually manipulate a robot or external axes
  • Ability to use a variety of gages (functional, go/no go) required
  • Ability to use hand tools properly
  • Use of hand measuring tools (volt meters, micrometers, calipers, tape measures)
  • Ability to practice and follow Challenge's safety policy and procedures
  • Ability to locate and troubleshoot the root cause of issues
  • Understanding of welding processes
  • Ability to lift/move material weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work as a contributing member within team environment

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