QA Engineer

QA Engineer / Welding Inspector Engineer

Job location: Ratnagiri

Exp: 2 to 6 years

Education: Diploma or BE mechanical

Role Overview

A Welding QA Inspector is responsible for ensuring that all welding work performed on a project or within a factory meets:

• Applicable codes, standards, and specifications
• Client and contractual quality requirements
• Safety and regulatory norms

They act as the quality control checkpoint for all welding activities — from material inspection to final weld acceptance — ensuring integrity, safety, and compliance.

2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. Pre-Welding Stage (Preparation & Planning)

• Review of Welding Documentation
• Review and approve Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) certificates.
• Ensure that all welding procedures conform to the required codes (ASME, AWS, ISO, etc.).
• Verify that the correct WPS is available at the work site.
• Material Inspection
• Check base material certificates and ensure materials are as per approved drawings/specifications.
• Verify heat numbers, batch numbers, and traceability.
• Confirm that consumables (filler wire, flux, electrodes) are approved and stored correctly as per manufacturer's recommendations.
• Welder Qualification
• Verify that welders are qualified and certified for the welding process and position.
• Ensure valid Welder Identification Cards or qualification records are maintained.
• Equipment & Environment
• Ensure welding machines are calibrated and maintained.
• Check pre-weld fit-up, alignment, joint preparation, root gap, and cleanliness.
• Ensure proper environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, wind protection).

B. During Welding Stage (Monitoring & Verification)

• In-Process Inspection
• Monitor welding parameters: current, voltage, travel speed, preheat/interpass temperature, etc.
• Check that welding sequence and technique match WPS requirements.
• Ensure correct electrode or filler material is used and stored properly.
• Inspect root pass, intermediate, and final passes for continuity and defects.
• Supervision of Welders
• Observe and guide welders to maintain best practices.
• Report and record any deviations or non-conformities.
• Control of Welding Consumables
• Verify electrode ovens' temperature and control system.
• Check expiry and condition of electrodes or filler materials.

C. Post-Welding Stage (Inspection & Testing)

• Visual Inspection
• Perform 100% visual inspection of welds for defects such as cracks, undercuts, porosity, incomplete fusion, etc.
• Use visual aids such as weld gauges, magnifiers, and templates.
• Dimensional Inspection
• Verify that the weld meets drawing dimensions and tolerances.
• Confirm alignment and orientation.
• NDT Coordination
• Coordinate or witness Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) such as:
• Radiography (RT)
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
• Dye Penetrant Testing (PT)
• Visual (VT)
• Review and interpret NDT results; verify corrective actions for failed welds.
• Destructive Testing (if applicable)
• Witness mechanical testing (tensile, bend, impact, macro/micro) for procedure or welder qualification.
• Repair & Rework Control
• Record and monitor repair welds.
• Ensure rework is done under an approved WPS.
• Verify defect removal and final inspection.

D. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain QA Records
• Fit-up and welding inspection reports.
• NDT reports and radiographs.
• Welder qualification records and traceability documentation.
• Calibration certificates of inspection tools and welding machines.
• Prepare Inspection Reports
• Daily inspection and progress reports.
• Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and Corrective Action Requests (CARs).
• Final Documentation (Dossier)
• Compile inspection and test records for project handover.

E. Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all welding activities follow factory safety rules, PPE use, and permit systems (hot work permits).
• Identify and mitigate safety hazards (e.g., fumes, fire risks, confined space).
• Liaise with the Safety Officer to ensure compliance with the Factories Act, 1948, and Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963 (particularly Rule 69 and others governing hot work).

3. Common Codes & Standards ReferencedStandardTitle / ScopeASME Section IXQualification of Welding Procedures and WeldersAWS D1.1Structural Welding Code – SteelISO 3834Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materialsIS 822 / IS 9595Indian Standards for weld symbols and procedures API 650 / 653Welding of storage tanksIS 817Code of Practice for Training and Testing of Welders 4. Typical Reporting Hierarchy

• Reports to: QA/QC Engineer, Welding Engineer, or QA/QC Manager
• Works closely with: Production Supervisors, Safety Officers, NDT Technicians, and Client Inspectors

5. Essential Skills & Attributes

• Strong understanding of welding metallurgy and processes (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW, etc.)
• Knowledge of NDT techniques and interpretation of results
• Attention to detail and adherence to documentation
• Effective communication and leadership skills
• Certification (preferably):
• CSWIP 3.1 / 3.2
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• ISNT / ASNT Level I & ii in NDT

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹25, ₹40,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Provident Fund

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person