Coatings Inspector

S&ME•Wilmington, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

S&ME is hiring a Coatings Inspector for its Metals team in Wilmington, North Carolina. The role supports the structural integrity and safety of projects through field inspection of structural steel, including bolted and welded connections. Work includes observing and documenting contractor surface-preparation activities, coordinating testing assignments across projects, maintaining and calibrating testing equipment, and preparing detailed reports. The position involves outdoor fieldwork, including climbing steel structures such as buildings, cell phone towers, and water tanks to heights exceeding 200 feet, while using company-provided personal protective equipment and fall-protection systems. Travel, typically out of town and/or overnight, may be required as project needs arise. Work may exceed 50 hours per week during peak workload and may include off-shift and weekend work. S&ME is a 100% employee-owned company working in geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials testing. The company describes opportunities for career growth, training, and hands-on experience. This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements and have valid employment eligibility; visa assistance is not available.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 years of NDT/NDE metals testing, surface-preparation, and industrial-coating application experience, or an associate degree in a closely related field.
Active AMPP Level I or Level II CIP certification.
ASNT Level II certification per ASNT-SNT-TC-1A in at least one method.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, climb heights over 200 feet, and routinely lift and carry 40–50 pounds of materials and equipment.
Ability to safely handle field tools and maneuver equipment on active construction sites.
Ability to work outside normal business hours and travel, typically out of town and/or overnight, as project needs arise.
Compliance with Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements.
Valid employment eligibility (I-9); visa assistance is not available.

Nice To Haves

Experience in safety, DDC, NDT, and radiation training, including use of fall-protection equipment and personal fall-arrest systems.
ICC certification in Building Inspections and/or Structural Steel Inspection.
Level II certification in UT, PT, or MT.
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification or progress toward it.
Additional industry-related certifications.

Responsibilities

Visually inspect structural steel, including bolted and welded connections.
Observe, document, and record contractors’ surface-preparation activities.
Manage testing assignments across projects.
Maintain testing equipment in working order and calibration.
Manage field and laboratory equipment inventories and formal calibration records, and participate in quality systems audits as applicable.
Prepare detailed reports communicating inspection findings.
Safely climb steel structures using fall-protection equipment and personal fall-arrest systems.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans with HSA and FSA options.
100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a minimum 5% company contribution.
401(k) with employer match.
PTO with rollover.
Maternity/parental leave.
Tuition reimbursement.
Company vehicle and fuel card for project-based work.
Employee recognition and credential incentive programs.
$2,000 referral bonuses.
Professional training and career growth opportunities.