Weld Quality Engineer

Location: Hampton, GA

Department: Engineering

Job Summary:

The Weld Quality Engineer ensures all welded fabrication and construction activities meet applicable codes, standards, and customer requirements, with a primary focus on AWS D1.1 – Structural Welding Code (Steel) and AWS D1.2 – Structural Welding Code (Aluminum), as well as other customer-specified standards. This role blends hands-on weld inspection with engineering support, quality assurance, and continuous improvement to drive product integrity and process excellence.


Essential Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.

Weld Inspection & Compliance

• Inspect welded joints in accordance with AWS D1.1 and AWS D1.2 requirements.
• Perform visual weld inspections (VT) before, during, and after welding.
• Verify weld size, profile, contour, discontinuities, and acceptance criteria per applicable code.
• Review and approve weld symbols, drawings, and fabrication details for code compliance.
• Confirm base materials, filler metals, joint preparation, preheat, interpass temperature, and post-weld requirements.

Welding Procedure & Qualification Oversight

• Review, qualify, and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ).
• Witness and document welder qualification testing.
• Ensure welding processes conform to qualified procedures and essential variables.

Quality Assurance & Documentation

• Develop and maintain inspection reports, nonconformance reports (NCRs), and corrective action documentation.
• Interface with third-party inspectors, customers, and regulatory bodies as required.
• Support internal and external audits related to welding and quality systems.
• Maintain traceability of materials and consumables.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems and ISO:9001 is preferred.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Coordination

• Coordinate or review NDT activities (UT, RT, MT, PT) as required by project specifications.
• Interpret NDT reports and ensure corrective actions are implemented when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:
 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on welding/inspection experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in welding inspection or weld quality engineering in a fabrication or construction environment.
• Strong working knowledge of AWS D1.1 and AWS D1.2. AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) preferred (or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe).
• Familiarity with welding processes including GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, and SAW. Understanding of weld symbols, blueprints, and fabrication drawings. Knowledge of steel and aluminum metallurgy and weld discontinuities.

Preferred Qualifications:
 

• Strong working knowledge of AWS D1.1 and AWS D1.2.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) preferred (or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe).
• Familiarity with welding processes including GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, and SAW.
• Understanding of weld symbols, blueprints, and fabrication drawings.
• Knowledge of steel and aluminum metallurgy and weld discontinuities.

Thank you for your interest in Southern States LLC. At this time, we are only considering candidates who are authorized to work in the United States and who will not require sponsorship now or in the future. We appreciate your understanding and wish you success in your job search.