Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)

American Rheinmetall • Lansing, MI

20h • Onsite

About The Position

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Their expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, they combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world. The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for ensuring that all welding and fabrication processes meet applicable codes, specifications, and quality standards in the production of military-grade armor, steel, and aluminum components. This role is critical to maintaining the integrity, safety, and compliance of welded structures used in defense applications. The CWI will perform inspections, review welding procedures, oversee welder performance, and maintain documentation to support compliance with industry and government standards.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of welding processes (MIG, TIG, FCAW, GMAW, SMAW) for steel and aluminum.
• Familiarity with military specifications (e.g., MIL-STD-1261, MIL-STD-1689, NAVSEA) and ballistic armor requirements preferred.
• Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods (VT, PT, MT, UT, RT) a plus.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, weld symbols, and technical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced, high-security environment.
• High School diploma or GED required.
• Current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) required.
• Minimum 3–5 years of welding inspection experience in manufacturing, preferably in defense, aerospace, or heavy industry.
• Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.

Nice To Haves

• Formal NDT certification (Level I or Level II in UT, PT, MT, or RT).
• Experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments.
• Additional training in statistical process control or quality management systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT) on welded components to ensure compliance with AWS, MIL-STD, and customer specifications.
• Review and approve Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualification Records (WPQ).
• Monitor welding operations on armor, steel, and aluminum materials to verify adherence to approved procedures and quality requirements.
• Ensure compliance with military standards, codes, and contract-specific welding requirements.
• Document inspection results, prepare reports, and maintain traceability of records in accordance with quality management system requirements (ISO, AS9100, or equivalent).
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve welding-related issues.
• Provide training and technical guidance to welders and supervisors regarding code compliance, weld quality, and inspection techniques.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action for welding-related nonconformances.
• Stay current with updates to AWS, ASME, and military welding codes and standards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees