Quality Engineer – Welding & Steel Fabrication
Years of expirence - 5+ Years
Position Summary
The Quality Engineer oversees all quality-related functions within a welding and steel fabrication operation. This role ensures that fabricated components meet or exceed customer specifications, industry standards (AWS, ASME, ISO, AISC, etc.), and internal quality requirements. The Quality Engineer leads the quality team, manages inspection processes, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and supports production through technical expertise in welding, materials, and fabrication processes.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Systems & Compliance
- Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with ISO 9001, AWS D1.1/D1.6, ASME, and other applicable standards.
- Maintain certifications and compliance documentation.
- Lead internal and external audits; coordinate corrective actions and follow-up.
Welding & Fabrication Quality Oversight
- Oversee welding procedure development, qualification, and documentation.
- Ensure welder qualification and requalification according to AWS, ASME, or customer-specific codes.
- Work closely with engineering to review fabrication drawings, weld symbols, tolerances, and build requirements.
- Validate material certifications, heat numbers, and traceability for all incoming steel components.
Inspection & Testing
- Manage dimensional inspections, weld inspections, and NDE testing.
- Ensure inspection equipment is calibrated and maintained.
- Lead root cause analysis on weld defects, material issues, or nonconforming components.
- Approve final products before shipment to ensure adherence to customer specifications.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead and develop quality inspectors and welding inspectors.
- Provide technical guidance to welders, fabricators, supervisors, and engineering teams.
- Participate in pre-production planning to ensure quality considerations are integrated from the start.
- Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders regarding quality requirements and issues.
Qualifications Required
- 5+ years of experience in quality management, welding engineering, or steel fabrication quality roles.
- Strong knowledge of welding codes (specifically AWS D1.1).
- Experience with steel fabrication processes such as cutting, forming, machining, and assembly.
- Ability to read fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and GD&T.
- Experience performing or supervising NDE.
- Strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with root-cause tools (5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC).
Preferred
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS).
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other QMS requirements.
- Experience with structural steel standards (AISC).
- Background in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Spanish speaking is a plus.
Key Competencies
- High attention to detail and commitment to product integrity.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Leadership capability and ability to influence shop-floor personnel.
- Analytical thinking with a hands-on, practical approach.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions in a fast-paced fabrication environment.
