What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) position at Columbus Hydraulics-- A Wipro Hydraulics Company?
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Columbus Hydraulics | Columbus, Nebraska
About Columbus Hydraulics
For more than 60 years, Columbus Hydraulics has been a trusted manufacturer of highly engineered custom hydraulic cylinders for OEM customers across North America. We specialize in designing and manufacturing custom welded hydraulic cylinders tailored to unique application requirements while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and on-time delivery. Columbus Hydraulics is recognized as one of the nation's oldest manufacturers of custom hydraulic cylinders and is committed to building the best custom welded hydraulic cylinders at a competitive price while delivering on schedule. As we continue to grow, we are looking for skilled professionals who share our commitment to quality, safety, teamwork, and manufacturing excellence.
Position Summary
Columbus Hydraulics is seeking a highly skilled Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to join our Quality Team. This position is responsible for ensuring the integrity, quality, and compliance of weldments used in the manufacturing of high-end engineered hydraulic cylinders for OEM customers.
The successful candidate will perform visual inspections, verify welding procedures, evaluate weld quality, ensure compliance with industry standards, and support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the fabrication process. This role requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to producing world-class products.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities Welding Inspection & Quality Assurance
- Review and approve welding procedures in accordance with applicable AWS, ASME, EN, and ISO standards.
- Perform visual inspections of weldments throughout fabrication and final assembly.
- Ensure all weldments receive 100% visual inspection and meet customer and engineering requirements.
- Assess weld quality, workmanship, and compliance with applicable codes and specifications.
- Verify weld preparation, fit-up, tack weld quality, preheat requirements, and interpass temperatures.
- Conduct internal and external inspections to determine compliance with acceptance criteria.
- Utilize measuring and testing equipment to verify weld integrity and dimensional accuracy.
- Identify weld defects and oversee corrective actions and repairs.
- Maintain detailed inspection records, audit reports, and weld inspection documentation.
Production & Process Support
- Monitor welding operations to ensure compliance with approved welding procedures and specifications.
- Interpret engineering drawings, welding symbols, and fabrication requirements.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Operations leadership regarding design changes or material substitutions.
- Ensure only qualified and certified welders perform approved welding procedures.
- Maintain continuity of welder qualifications in accordance with AWS D1.1 and AWS D1.3 requirements.
- Conduct inspections of welding equipment to ensure proper setup, settings, and operation.
- Support quality initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
- Develop and update work instructions, quality procedures, and process documentation.
- Assist in training and developing welders, quality personnel, and production team members.
Compliance & Safety
- Maintain compliance with company safety policies, quality standards, and customer requirements.
- Support internal and external audits as required.
- Promote a safe and clean work environment while adhering to all applicable regulations and procedures.
Additional Responsibilities
- Complete inspection, audit, and rework reports accurately and in a timely manner.
- Provide recommendations for process improvements and increased manufacturing efficiency.
- Perform other inspection, observation, documentation, and quality-related duties associated with hydraulic cylinder manufacturing as assigned.
Required QualificationsEducation
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Technical, vocational, or college coursework in welding, manufacturing, engineering technology, or quality assurance preferred.
- Current American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification required.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in welding, fabrication, quality assurance, engineering, manufacturing, or related fields.
- Minimum of 2 years of welding inspection experience.
- Strong understanding of welding methods, welding consumables, weld preparation, welding symbols, and welding inspection techniques.
- Experience working with AWS and other applicable industry standards.
- Quality Management System experience preferred.
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
Preferred Skills
- Extensive knowledge of AWS, ASME, ISO, and EN standards.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Experience using inspection tools, measuring equipment, and quality documentation systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Physical Requirements
- Physical Capacity Profile (PCP) Level 3 required.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to welding operations and industrial equipment.
Why Join Columbus Hydraulics?
- Competitive Pay
- Stable, Growing Manufacturing Company
- Opportunity to Work with Industry-Leading Engineered Products
- Collaborative Team Environment
- Career Growth and Development Opportunities
- Strong Safety and Quality Culture
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) Company Match
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Location: In Person
Location: Columbus Hydraulics
2645 E. 27th Street, Suite 1
Columbus, NE 68601
Build Quality. Ensure Excellence. Grow With Us.
Join a company with over 60 years of engineering and manufacturing excellence and help ensure the highest standards of quality in every hydraulic cylinder we build.
Pay: $29.61 - $32.03 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $30 - $32