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Certified Weld Inspector

Generac · Belvidere, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found a weld defect that others had missed. What was it, and how did you catch it?

What they are checking: actual hands-on inspection instinct versus book knowledge of defect types

Describe a nonconformance you documented from start to finish, including how you tracked the corrective action.

What they are checking: whether they've actually run the NCR process, not just filled out forms

Tell me about a time you had to explain a quality concern to someone in Engineering or Supply Chain who didn't want to hear it.

What they are checking: communication skill and confidence pushing back across departments

Describe your experience inspecting structural steel, sheet metal, or enclosures similar to what we build here. What was different about inspecting those versus other components?

What they are checking: relevance of prior fabrication experience to Generac's actual product types

What would you do

You find a batch of incoming fabricated components with a dimensional issue that's within the supplier's tolerance but outside the drawing spec. What do you do?

What they are checking: judgment on when to escalate a conflict between supplier documentation and engineering requirements

Production is behind schedule and a supervisor asks you to pass a weld that's borderline on profile so the line can keep moving. What do you do?

What they are checking: willingness to hold the quality line under production pressure

A supplier's material certification looks fine on paper, but something about the material feels off during receiving inspection. How do you handle that?

What they are checking: trust calibration between documentation review and physical verification

About the work

Walk me through how you'd inspect a weldment against an AWS code when the engineering drawing doesn't fully specify the acceptance criteria.

What they are checking: whether the candidate knows how to reconcile drawings, codes, and specs rather than treating them as interchangeable

What visual cues would make you suspect incomplete penetration or lack of fusion on a weld you can only inspect from one side?

What they are checking: depth of practical visual inspection knowledge beyond textbook definitions

How do you verify a welder's qualification record actually covers the process and position being used on a job?

What they are checking: understanding of welder qualification requirements, not just weld appearance

What precision measuring tools do you reach for most often, and how do you decide which one fits a given inspection?

What they are checking: practical fluency with calipers, micrometers, and weld gauges

How would you go about root-causing a recurring weld defect that keeps showing up across multiple shifts?

What they are checking: structured problem-solving ability beyond flagging individual defects

Have you worked with an MRP or quality management system like Epicor or an ISO 9001 environment? Walk me through how you used it day to day.

What they are checking: real system experience versus familiarity by name only

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) II is responsible for inspecting incoming materials, fabricated components, weldments, and finished products to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, applicable codes, and company quality standards. This position combines general quality inspection responsibilities with specialized weld inspection expertise to identify nonconforming materials, verify workmanship, and support continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing process. Responsibilities: • Perform receiving inspections on incoming raw materials, fabricated components, weldments, and supplier-provided parts. • Inspect welded assemblies for compliance with engineering drawings, welding specifications, applicable codes, and quality requirements. • Perform visual weld inspections and evaluate weld size, profile, appearance, fit-up, penetration indicators, and visible discontinuities. • Verify welding procedures, materials, filler metals, and welder qualifications when required. • Use precision measuring and inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, weld gauges, and other inspection tools. • Perform in-process and final inspections of fabricated and assembled products. • Verify dimensional requirements and workmanship against established acceptance criteria. • Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming materials or workmanship. • Initiate and support Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) and corrective actions as required. • Work with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and suppliers to investigate and resolve quality concerns. • Assist with root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action activities. • Maintain accurate inspection records, reports, certifications, and other quality documentation. • Review supplier documentation, material certifications, and inspection reports for compliance. • Support supplier quality activities related to incoming material and fabricated components. • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and improve product quality. • Ensure inspection activities comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. Minimum Qualifications: • High school diploma or equivalent required • Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification • 2 years of previous experience in quality inspection, welding inspection, fabrication, or a manufacturing environment Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Strong knowledge of welding processes, weld symbols, welding terminology, and common weld defects • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and technical documentation • Experience with receiving, in-process, and final inspection • Working knowledge of dimensional inspection techniques and precision measuring equipment • Familiarity with applicable AWS welding codes and standards • Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and communicate quality concerns • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Ability to work collaboratively with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams Preferred Qualifications: • Technical degree or additional education in Welding, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering Technology, or a related field • Experience with NCRs, corrective actions, root cause analysis, and quality documentation • Experience inspecting structural steel, sheet metal, frames, enclosures, or other fabricated components • Experience working with suppliers and resolving incoming material quality issues • Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar Quality Management Systems • Familiarity with Epicor MRP systems • Additional NDT certifications or experience with nondestructive testing methods • Experience in power generation, electrical equipment, switchgear, industrial equipment, or similar manufacturing environments Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls.  The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders.  The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job include are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel. “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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