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Welding Inspector Trainee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Repair Technician

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Be able to perform preventative maintenance inspections on all equipment. * Perform installation of ... The trainee will be expected to complete all assigned duties in an appropriate amount of time per ...

Repair Technician

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Be able to perform preventative maintenance inspections on all equipment. * Perform installation of ... The trainee will be expected to complete all assigned duties in an appropriate amount of time per ...

Must be DOT certified in FHWA inspections and air brakes * Able to supply your own basic tools, or ... Basic welding skills (MIG and stick ) * Ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately ...

Welding Inspector Trainee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$22

$39

How much do welding inspector trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding inspector trainee in Chicago, IL is $22.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $25.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Welding Inspector Trainees?

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.

Are welding inspectors in demand?

Welding inspectors are in steady demand across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy, especially as safety standards and quality control become more stringent. Employment opportunities often increase with infrastructure projects and the need for certified inspectors with qualifications like AWS or ASME certifications.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Welding Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Inspector Trainee - Bloomington, IL

Munich RE

Chicago, IL

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

All locations Bloomington, United States; Chicago, United States; Joliet, United States; Peoria, United States;

Introduction:

The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company - Global Inspection and Engineering Services (GIES) is an inspection focused engineering group with over 450 engineers, inspectors and auditors located in over 27 countries. As the world's largest ASME Authorized Inspection Agency, GIES Inspectors are instrumental in providing on location services that verify the quality and conformance of pressure equipment when it is being manufactured, field assembled or erected and/or repaired.

Job Description:

As an Inspector, you will review and witness activities to recognized international codes, standards, and/or regulations such as ASME Code, Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), and Canadian Standards. You will also provide inspections to client specifications and perform various engineering services to companies throughout the designated area. The position has minimum qualifications of a high school diploma and work experience with boilers and pressure vessels or nuclear reactors. Training is provided annually for all of our inspectors, which is developed and supported by our technical industry experts.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide required inspection services and oversight activities to ASME, NBIC Code, International Codes, ISO, and client provided specifications
  • Operate with minimal supervision, exercising independent judgment in assuring Code and Regulatory compliance
  • Review and acceptance of Client Job Packages
  • Perform in-process Inspections
  • Document results of inspections and testing
  • Monitoring of Quality Control Systems
  • Witnessing final equipment testing to include witnessing pressure testing
  • Review and signing of required forms

Requirements:

Education:

  • Required - High school diploma or equivalent
  • Desired -
    • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering, Technology, Science, or Mathematics from an accredited institution.
    • Two (2) Year Degree or Certificate in Engineering, Technology, Science, or Mathematics from an accredited institution.
    • Graduation from an accredited technical school in subjects that include, but not limited to, manufacturing, building construction, construction technology, heating ventilating and air conditioning, industrial and welding technology.
    • Completion of an accredited Power Engineering certification program.
    • Completion of an accredited apprenticeship program such as boilermaker, steamfitter, or pipefitter.
    • Completion of accredited military or merchant marine training program in the area of marine or stationary boilers, pressure vessels or nuclear reactors.
    • AWS CWI certification
    • API-510 or API-570 certification

Experience:

  • Required - One year experience minimum, up to 4 years dependent on education level
    • Engineering or design review
    • Manufacturing, including fabrication methods or processes, in either shop or field
    • Operation of high-pressure boiler steam plant exceeding 50,000 lbs/hr of total capacity.
    • Performance of repairs, alterations or maintenance of boilers or pressure vessels
    • Quality control systems related to boiler or pressure vessel manufacturing, repair, or alteration in either shop or field
    • Inspection of boilers or pressure vessels either inservice or during construction including either shop or field
    • NDE examiner of boiler or pressure vessels meeting ASNT Level II or III (qualified by examination) or equivalent qualifications
  • Desired - up to 4 years' experience in the above areas.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical (desired):

  • Working knowledge of ASME Code and NBIC
  • Familiarization with Welding Processes and Non-Destructive Examination methods
  • Hold National Board AI Commission preferably with N and R endorsements

Non-Technical (desired):

  • Planning and organizational skills
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work without direct supervision and adaptability
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Customer service focus with ability to develop strong customer relationships
  • Communicates effectively (both verbally and written)
  • Problem solving skills
  • Computer technology skills including the Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements:

  • Routinely move about a site facility, remote location, or construction site while performing visual inspections
  • Work in outside weather conditions that may be in frigid or hot temperatures
  • Lift own body weight with associated safety equipment
  • Remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
  • Ability to perform work in confined spaces

Security Clearance:

Some customers require personnel to have a security clearance and you may be required to pass a rigid background screen to obtain site access to certain facilities

Other:

Because this position may require routine travel among multiple customer locations, the successful candidate may be assigned a company vehicle or may have the option to use their personal vehicle for company business. As such, the successful candidate must have an acceptable driving record.

At The Hartford Steam Boiler, a subsidiary of Munich Re, we see Diversity and Inclusion as a solution to the challenges and opportunities all around us. Our goal is to foster an inclusive culture and build a workforce that reflects the customers we serve and the communities in which we live and work. We strive to provide a workplace where all of our colleagues feel respected, valued and empowered to achieve their very best every day. We recruit and develop talent with a focus on providing our customers the most innovative products and services.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. The work environment characteristics, and any physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

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