Perma-Pipe in Lebanon, TN (USA) is looking for an experienced Welding Inspector

The Welding Inspector is responsible for overseeing day-to-day welding inspection within the pipe fabrication facility, ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with applicable codes, standards, and quality requirements. This role provides technical leadership, training, and support to our team of welders, ensuring consistent adherence to welding procedures, applicable codes, and customer specifications. The ideal candidate combines hands-on expertise with welding, welding inspection, and communication skills to drive continuous improvement across welding quality and performance.

Leadership & Support

• Provide hands-on coaching, mentoring, and feedback to welders across multiple processes (GTAW, GMAW, SAW, SMAW)
• Monitor compliance with safety, quality, and procedural requirements
• Partner with Quality and Production teams to resolve welding issues and reduce rework

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure welding activities comply with ASME, AWS, and company procedures
• Support and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
• Perform visual inspections and coordinate verification of weld integrity
• Assist with welder qualification testing (WPQs) and maintain continuity records
• Enforce customer and company quality standards

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve weld quality, efficiency, and productivity
• Participate in root cause analysis for weld defects and nonconformances
• Support Lean / 6S initiatives and continuous improvement efforts
• Assist in developing and qualifying new WPSs and welding processes
• Evaluate new welding technologies, equipment, or methods

Safety

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture in all welding and fabrication activities
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and internal safety requirements/procedures
• Participate in safety audits, toolbox talks, and incident investigations as required
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors to ensure workflow efficiency.

Education & Experience

Required

• 5+ years of welding experience in pipe fabrication
• 2-3 years in a quality, inspection, or leadership role
• Visual Inspection certification (AWS QC1 CWI, ASNT CP189, SNT-TC-1A, or equivalent)
• Working knowledge of ASME B31.1, B31.3, Section IX, Section V, and API 1104
• Strong ability to read blueprints, weld maps, and technical drawings
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, or on-call assignments as required.

Preferred

• Associate degree or technical training in Welding Technology or related field
• Experience leading teams in a fabrication or quality environment
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Syteline or similar)

Work Environment

• Fabrication shop environment with exposure to heat, noise, fumes, and moving equipment
• Standing and walking for extended periods
• PPE required at all times

Typical Reporting Structure

• Reports To: Quality Manager
• Direct Reports: 5-15 Welders and/or Welding Leads
• Key Internal Contacts: Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Maintenance

Physical Demands

• Remain on feet for extended periods of time.
• Ability to respond quickly to sounds.
• Must move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• Visual acuity required for accuracy and thoroughness of work.
• Standing/walking for more than 90% of shift, including long distances.
• Ability to work in extreme weather.

Why Perma-Pipe

• Stable, well-established manufacturing organization
• Strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Opportunity to influence weld quality and shop performance daily
• Collaborative, team-driven environment

PERMA-PIPE International Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PPIH) is a global leader in engineered piping solutions, specializing in insulation systems, containment, anti-corrosion coatings, custom fabrication, leak detection, engineering support, field service, and logistics. For decades, our expertise has set industry benchmarks, backed by ISO 9001, ISO 1401, and ISO 45001 certifications.

With ten production facilities worldwide-including the U.S., Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and India-we deliver localized service with global reach, scaling efficiently to meet complex project needs of any size or location.

PERMA-PIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO), providing fair employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.