What are the responsibilities and job description for the Weld Engineer position at Valknut Automation?
Job Description Step into a high-impact contract role where your welding expertise and quality focus directly support complex fabrication projects and stringent client standards. This is an opportunity to shape welding practices, drive defect reduction, and ensure compliance across multiple codes and processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. About the Role: As a Contract Weld Engineer, you will oversee welding engineering activities across fabrication projects, ensuring weld integrity, code compliance, and robust quality assurance.
You will work closely with production, quality, and safety teams to optimise welding processes, resolve defects, and enhance overall fabrication workflow efficiency. Key Responsibilities: Oversee and support welding operations across multiple processes (SMAW, GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, FCAW, etc.) to ensure consistent, high-quality welds. Conduct and interpret non-destructive testing (VT, PT, MT, UT, RT) on welded fabrications to verify weld quality and compliance
Perform root cause analysis for weld defects and implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce recurrence. Develop, review, and maintain welding procedures, WPS/PQR documentation, and work instructions aligned with AWS/ASME codes and standards. Collaborate with production teams to optimise manufacturing processes and fabrication workflows for improved throughput and reduced rework.
Lead quality assurance and inspection activities for welded fabrications, including in-process checks and final inspections. Monitor and enforce safety and OSHA compliance in welding operations, supporting safe work practices and hazard mitigation. Provide technical guidance and training to welders and inspectors on welding techniques, inspection criteria, and quality expectations.
Key Requirements: Proven experience as a Weld Engineer or Welding Specialist within a manufacturing or fabrication environment. Hands-on experience with multiple welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, and FCAW. Practical experience performing and interpreting non-destructive testing methods (VT, PT, MT, UT, RT).
Strong working knowledge of AWS and ASME welding codes, standards, and acceptance criteria. Demonstrated ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions for weld-related issues. Experience in quality assurance and inspection of welded fabrications in a production setting.
Solid understanding of OSHA requirements and safety best practices related to welding operations. Ability to work independently in a contract role, managing priorities and communicating effectively with cross-functional teams. Desirable Skills: Experience in workflow and process optimisation within a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with welding automation, fixtures, and tooling to improve consistency and efficiency. Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies. Proficiency with inspection reporting, documentation systems, and basic data analysis.
Previous experience supporting customer audits or third-party inspections. Qualifications: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent certification highly desirable.
Additional NDT certifications (e.g., Level II in VT, PT, MT, UT, RT) are an advantage. Formal training in OSHA safety standards related to welding and fabrication preferred. If you are a welding professional who thrives on solving complex quality challenges and improving fabrication performance, this contract role offers a strong platform to make an immediate impact-apply now to be considered.