Certified Welding Inspector

Chesapeake Shipbuilding is seeking an experienced Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to join our growing team in Salisbury, Maryland. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in structural steel welding inspection, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of workmanship while supporting production in a fast-paced shipbuilding environment.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, non-exempt position

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive Pay: $35.00/hr - $40.00/hr depending on experience
• $1,000 Sign-On Bonus: Paid in two installments after 60 and 180 days of continuous employment for eligible full-time positions.
• Relocation Assistance: For those located outside of the Salisbury, MD area
• Employee Referral Bonus: Earn $500 for each referred candidate who is hired.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for employees and their families. Full-time employees are eligible beginning the first day of the month following their start date.
• Company-Paid Insurance: $20,000 AD&D life insurance and short-term disability coverage provided at no cost to full-time employees.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for eligible employees.
• 401(k) with 5% Company Match: Available for full-time and part-time employees.
• Paid Holidays: Six company-paid holidays each year.
• Paid Sick and Vacation:
  • 80 hours during your first year
  • 96 hours after 1 year
  • 144 hours after 5 years
  • 168 hours after 10 years
• Career Growth Opportunities: Advance within your department or explore opportunities across the shipyard while working with a supportive and empowered team.
• Overtime Opportunities: Available for hours worked beyond 40 per week.

Certified Welding Inspector

REPORTS TO: QC Inspector/Shipyard Superintendent/Vice President

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Safely and efficiently perform the inspection of welding and fabrication of steel vessels subject to US Coast Guard inspection and certification. Have an aggressive work ethic with a focus on production.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS:

• Perform visual inspections of welds, fit-ups, and assemblies, including pre-weld, in-process, and final checks
• Conduct non-destructive testing (NDT) including soap and air leak testing, hydrostatic tank testing, and dye penetrant inspections.
• Setup, supervise, and evaluate welder qualification tests (manual and semi-automatic welding processes).
• Communicate with workers, management, outside inspection agencies, and government inspectors
• Maintain detailed, legible, and organized inspection records and documentation
• Assist in welding operations when not actively inspecting, depending on workload and needs
• Support implementation of corrective actions for non-conformances or weld defects
• Contribute to the development and refinement of welding standards, training programs, and best practices
• Create coupons and assess all pre-employment weld tests
• All other duties as assigned based on operational needs

REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience with structural steel welding inspection
• American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• Experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, salvage support, or other industrial construction setting is preferred
• Aggressive work ethic with a focus on production
• Solid knowledge of welding codes, procedures, and specifications (e.g., AWS D1.1, NAVSEA, etc.)
• Proven experience and certifications in 3G/4G and 6G welding processes from ABS, USCG or AWS
• Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and welding symbols
• Familiar with welding symbols, procedures, and specifications
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word); experience with AutoCAD or SolidWorks is a plus
• Must be able to take detailed verbal and written instructions and convert them into actionable tasks
• Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills: verbal and written English
• Proven knowledge of safe use of tools and equipment
• Must be organized, self-directed, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team
• Valid Driver’s License
• Pre-Employment drug screen, physical background check required
• Pass pre-employment welding test

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All types of physical movement are required for this position to successfully perform the essential functions.
• Ability to use upper and lower extremities.
• Ability to work outside in heat, inclement weather, and cold.
• Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, climb, and bend around and under equipment, on ladders up to 24' at heights up to 70', stairs, scaffolds, through small accesses, enter inside of tanks, and confined spaces, through hatches, and manholes throughout much of the work shift.
• Occasionally lift/move up to 75 pounds.
• Able to work over bodies of water.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal level of visual acuity needed. Must be able to understand and follow directions. Normal hearing level needed. Hand-eye coordination required.

HAZARDS: Weather, fumes, high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, equipment, and vibration.

HOURS:

• 40-50 Hours Per Week
• Monday – Friday
• Day Shift: 7:00am – 3:30pm

Overtime and Weekend required based on business needs