Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – Flux Cored Arc Welding
About The Position
As a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) at Caterpillar’s South Milwaukee manufacturing facility, you will serve as a technical authority for weld quality and compliance on large, complex welded structures. This role is heavily focused on Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes supporting the manufacture of Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in global mining operations. You will perform in‑process and final inspections, validate weld procedures, and partner with welding, engineering, and quality teams to ensure structural integrity, safety, and adherence to AWS and Caterpillar standards. This is a hands‑on, production‑floor role ideal for experienced CWIs who thrive in heavy manufacturing environments. Your expertise directly impacts product reliability, operator safety, and customer trust.
Requirements
- Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification (AWS)
- Demonstrated experience inspecting Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in a manufacturing or heavy fabrication environment
- Strong knowledge of welding symbols, blueprints, WPS/PQR documentation, and inspection methods
- Hands‑on experience with visual inspection and weld quality evaluation of heavy plate and structural weldments
- Understanding of welding metallurgy, defect identification, and weld acceptance criteria
- Ability to work independently on 3rd shift in a production environment
- Strong documentation, communication, and problem‑solving skills
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting large, complex welded structures (mining, construction, or heavy equipment)
- Exposure to automated or robotic welding systems
- Familiarity with Caterpillar Production System (CPS), Lean, or continuous improvement tools
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office and manufacturing quality systems
- Previous experience in high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environments
Responsibilities
- Perform in‑process, final, and audit inspections of welded components with a strong focus on FCAW welds
- Inspect large structural weldments for compliance with AWS D1.1 , engineering drawings, WPS, and Caterpillar quality standards
- Verify welder qualifications, welding parameters, joint fit‑up, preheat/interpass temperatures, and post‑weld conditions
- Identify weld discontinuities and defects; document findings and drive corrective actions with production and engineering teams
- Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives related to weld quality and rework reduction
- Partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Welding Engineering, and Production teams on process optimization
- Ensure compliance with OSHA safety requirements and Caterpillar safety policies
- Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation within manufacturing systems
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to welding operators and inspectors as needed
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
- 401(k) savings plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Health Lifestyle Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
- Career Development
- Incentive bonus
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
