Quality Technician, Weld Tear Down - Crew A

Slate Auto•Warsaw, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Weld Teardown Technician supports Manufacturing Quality by performing weld inspections, non-destructive testing (NDT), destructive testing, measurements, and teardown activities to evaluate automotive body and chassis structures. This entry-level position is responsible for examining welds and joining methods to verify that components meet established engineering specifications and quality requirements. The technician will receive training in destructive and non-destructive inspection methods, and will prepare samples, collect accurate measurements, document results, and communicate findings to engineering and quality teams. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, an interest in automotive manufacturing and welding, and a willingness to learn inspection, NDT, teardown, and quality-control techniques.

Requirements

Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical inspection, welding, and NDT processes.
Ability to use or learn to use basic measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, microscopes, and general handheld gauges.
Basic ability to read and understand technical instructions, drawings, diagrams, and inspection procedures.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately record measurements and observations.
Ability to follow written procedures, inspection instructions, and established acceptance criteria.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to safely operate or learn to operate cutting, grinding, sample-preparation, and inspection equipment.
Ability to follow established safety procedures and properly use required PPE.

Nice To Haves

0–2 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, welding, fabrication, quality inspection, machining, mechanical assembly, NDT, or a related technical environment are preferred.
Previous experience in automotive manufacturing or Body-in-White (BIW) production.
Welding experience or formal welding training.
NDT training or experience, particularly Ultrasonic Testing (UT).
Familiarity with resistance spot welding (RSW), MIG/MAG welding, or structural adhesives.
Experience with precision measurement equipment.
Experience reading engineering drawings or basic GD&T.
Exposure to quality control processes, inspection procedures, or manufacturing documentation.
Exposure to weld cross-sections or laboratory sample preparation.
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification or interest in pursuing certification.
NDT certification or qualification, such as ASNT/SNT-TC-1A or equivalent employer-based qualification.
Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, or Statistical Process Control (SPC).

Responsibilities

Perform weld teardown and inspection activities on automotive body and chassis components.
Perform non-destructive testing (NDT) of welds and components using approved inspection methods, including ultrasonic testing (UT) and chisel testing.
Perform visual and dimensional inspections of welded assemblies and components.
Inspect resistance spot welds, projection welds, MIG/MAG welds, laser welds, seam welds, and adhesive-bonded joints.
Perform destructive testing, including weld peel and chisel testing.
Perform ultrasonic inspections to identify and evaluate weld or material conditions in accordance with established procedures, inspection standards, and acceptance criteria.
Set up and operate ultrasonic inspection equipment following appropriate training, procedures, and qualification requirements.
Record and document ultrasonic inspection results and identify indications requiring further evaluation.
Measure and document weld nugget size, weld locations, spacing, fusion, and other weld characteristics.
Cut and section vehicle components and test samples using approved cutting and sample-preparation equipment (plasma cutters, grinders, wet saws, and similar equipment).
Prepare samples for visual, dimensional, and metallurgical evaluation.
Identify and document weld conditions such as inadequate fusion, insufficient nugget size, porosity, cracks, excessive penetration, and other discontinuities.
Use precision measurement equipment such as calipers, micrometers, microscopes, weld gauges, scales, material hardness testers, and optical inspection equipment.
Take photographs and maintain accurate inspection records.
Compare inspection results with applicable engineering drawings, weld specifications, NDT procedures, standards, and acceptance criteria.
Assist engineers and quality personnel with root-cause investigations involving weld, material, or manufacturing concerns.
Support vehicle teardown and benchmarking activities by documenting construction methods, weld locations, joining technologies, and component characteristics.
Assist with inspection and evaluation of structural adhesives, sealants, closures, underbody structures, and other BIW joining applications.
Maintain proper identification and traceability of samples, inspections, measurements, and test results.
Perform routine care, verification, and basic maintenance of inspection equipment and assist with calibration activities.
Prepare basic spreadsheets, charts, photographs, and presentation materials for engineering and quality reviews.
Work collaboratively with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Supplier Quality, and other technical teams.
Follow all company safety procedures and properly use required PPE.
Conduct regular cleaning activities during and at the end of shift (5S activities).
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail.
The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward.
Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.
Safety First
Delight Customers
One Team
Relentless Improvement
Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
Respectful Collaboration
Positive Legacy