Certifed Welding Inspector (CWI)

Senior Certified Welding Inspector (AWS CWI) Torrance, California | $92,000–$125,000 About Valar Atomics At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing.

We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.

Key Responsibilities

Perform and document visual weld inspections before, during, and after welding, including fit-up, joint preparation, preheat and interpass temperature, filler metal control, and final weld acceptance against applicable code and specification criteria. Verify welding is performed in accordance with qualified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and that supporting Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ) are current, valid, and traceable.

Review and interpret welding codes and standards, including AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, ASME B31.1/B31.3, and ASME Section III as applicable to the work being performed. Coordinate and witness welding hold points and witness points, and review nondestructive examination (NDE) results (PT, MT, UT, RT) in partnership with qualified NDE personnel.

Maintain weld maps, weld logs, filler material traceability, inspection reports, and welding records to ensure completeness, accuracy, retrievability, and audit readiness. Identify, document, and escalate welding nonconformances, and support Quality Engineering with technical input for disposition, repair, and root cause and corrective action.

Support Supplier Quality with source inspection, review of supplier welding programs, and participation in supplier audits for welded components and assemblies. Mentor Quality Inspectors, Technicians, and welding personnel on welding inspection techniques, acceptance criteria, and documentation expectations. Support development of welding inspection plans and technical content of Quality Plan Certification Training Syllabi for Operator Verification Certification (OVC), clearly identifying welding verifications that must remain with certified inspectors.

Analyze welding defect trends and partner with welding and manufacturing engineering to drive prevention-focused improvements in welding process control.

Basic Qualifications

Current American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification, in good standing, is required. High school diploma or equivalent required. 8+ years of welding inspection or welding quality experience, including 5+ years working as an AWS CWI, within manufacturing, industrial construction, power generation, aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding technical environments.

Strong working knowledge of AWS D1.1 and ASME Section IX, and experience inspecting to ASME B31.1, B31.3, or equivalent piping and pressure codes. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, welding symbols, weld maps, specifications, WPS/PQR/WPQ documentation, and controlled procedures. Valid vision acuity examination as required to maintain CWI certification.

Comfortable working within active manufacturing environments including exposure to industrial noise, welding and fabrication-related fumes, and changing operational conditions while following all safety protocols. Flexible and willing to support demanding schedules including extended hours, weekends, and travel to Orangeville, Utah when necessary.

Preferred Skills

and Experience AWS Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) certification. Associate or bachelor’s degree in welding engineering technology, materials, manufacturing, or a related technical discipline. Experience supporting nuclear manufacturing or construction, NQA-1 programs, ASME Section III work, DOE projects, or ASME N-stamp environments.

ASNT SNT-TC-1A Level II or Level III certification in one or more NDE methods (VT, PT, MT, UT, RT). Experience inspecting welding of stainless steels, nickel-based alloys, and other high-temperature materials, including GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, and orbital or automated welding processes. Experience supporting transition of welded products from prototype to sustained production, including first article inspection.

Experience performing supplier or subcontractor welding program audits. Familiarity with nonconformance and CAPA systems, digital inspection records, and welding management software.

What we offer

Competitive base salary Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company Comprehensive medical benefits Unlimited PTO Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite Generous PPE stipend High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer.

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).