Leidos | Instructor

Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) and NDT Specialist | Aerospace and Defense Programs

Location: Huntsville, Alabama (North Alabama Area)

Company: Leidos

Role Overview

Leidos is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) to contribute essential expertise in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and quality auditing within its dynamic defense and aerospace programs. Based in the critical technology hub of Huntsville, Alabama, this individual will provide indispensable audit support, NDT mastery, and quality assurance oversight. The inspector is responsible for validating the integrity and managing the final disposition of complex manufactured products, ensuring adherence to the most rigorous industry standards.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The successful Certified Weld Inspector will assume ownership of crucial welding quality operations and documentation across multiple project sites. Core responsibilities require technical depth and leadership capability:

• Taking proactive initiative and assuming complete responsibility for all Certified Weld Inspector operations pertinent to assigned project sites.
• Maintaining stringent documentation databases related to welder continuity and comprehensive welding records, ensuring absolute traceability in strict adherence to ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality management standards.
• Serving as the primary technical representative for Leidos Dynetics in all matters concerning qualified weld operations when engaging with internal leadership, external auditors, and customers.
• Organizing, cataloging, and interpreting complex welding documentation, including Weld Procedure Specifications (WPS’s), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR’s), Performance Qualification Test Records (PQTR’s), and Welder Performance Qualification Test Records (WOPQTR’s), ensuring code-independent comprehension.
• Performing required inspections of welds on critical Department of Defense (DoD) and aerospace hardware.
• Determining product acceptance based on applicable quality standards and codes, promptly reporting inspection findings to Weld Engineers, and logging Nonconformances for formal Quality Engineering review.
• Contributing expert insight to business proposals, assisting in the development of detailed weld schedules, and accurately estimating the personnel hours necessary for project completion.
• Developing intimate familiarity with multiple specialized codes and specifications, maintaining the authority and willingness to challenge the manufacturing process when performance falls outside of specified code requirements.
• Demonstrating proven experience effectively communicating technical findings and status updates within a collaborative team environment.
• Assisting with ancillary projects and programs as needed, while actively seeking to accumulate the requisite education and experience necessary for certification testing in additional Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Methods.

Required Qualifications (Basic)

The candidate must possess the following foundational qualifications and experience:

• A current, active AWS CWI (Certified Weld Inspector) or SCWI (Senior Certified Weld Inspector) certification is mandatory, along with the ability to successfully pass a vision and color perception examination.
• Strong communication and instructional skills necessary for training and guiding others in accordance with internal and industrial weld process specifications.
• Proven experience in internal audit practices, coupled with comprehensive knowledge of root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Demonstrated expertise in reading and accurately interpreting complex engineering blueprints, drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications.
• Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Education/Experience: A Bachelor’s degree complemented by 4 to 8 years of prior relevant work experience, OR a Master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of relevant experience. A High School Diploma or GED combined with a minimum of 12 years of experience in quality manufacturing specifically functioning as a CWI will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders and scaffolds, and possess the ability to crawl under supported trailer weldments for thorough evaluation.
• Must currently reside in or be willing to relocate to the Huntsville – North Alabama, AL area.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates demonstrating the following qualifications will be highly competitive:

• The ability and willingness to achieve and maintain NAS-410 Level II certifications in both Magnetic Particle and Dye Penetrant testing, at a minimum.
• Practical, real-world welding experience derived from trade school or equivalent "under the hood" industry work.
• Flexibility to travel minimally, typically not exceeding 10% of the time.

Compensation Information

The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is $72,150.00 – $130,425.00. This range serves as a general guideline only; final compensation is determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the applicant's education, specific experience, skills, abilities, and internal equity considerations.

Leidos is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Vet. All qualified applicants receive employment consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Reference REQNUMBER: R-00168375.