What Does a Welding Inspector Do?
A Welding Inspector is a professional in the construction industry who specializes in checking the quality and safety of welds on structures and parts. This is an important job because well-crafted welds ensure the strength and longevity of structures that we use every day like bridges, cars, and buildings.
As a Welding Inspector, you would work in a variety of settings such as construction sites, welding shops, or fabrication plants. If you enjoy working with your hands and have a keen eye for detail, this could be a good fit for you. This job does require some travel and physical strength, as you might need to climb ladders and lift heavy equipment.
Your main responsibilities would include examining welds to ensure they meet specific codes and regulations, using specialized tools to measure the quality of welds, and producing detailed reports on your findings. You might also have to train junior welding inspectors and consult with other construction professionals. There is a good mix of technical skills and interactions with people in this job.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Arc Welding Knowledge
- Blueprint Reading
- Non-Destructive Testing
- Metallurgy
- Knowledge of Welding Procedures & Codes
- Defect Identification
- Safety Protocols
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
- Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Coordination
Technical Skills
- Arc Welding Knowledge
- Blueprint Reading
- Non-Destructive Testing
- Metallurgy
- Knowledge of Welding Procedures & Codes
- Defect Identification
- Safety Protocols
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
- Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Coordination
Education and Training Requirements
Required Education
Licensing and Certification
State Requirements
Required certification from a recognized body (such as AWS)