About this role
CWI / Experienced NDT VT Inspector Location: Springfield, Missouri Project: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences Construction Duration: Approximately 90-120 Days Travel: 100% Company Paid
## Position Overview
FST Technical Services is seeking experienced Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and/or Visual Testing (VT) Inspectors with experience and technical knowledge consistent with an NDT VT Level II to support a pharmaceutical construction project in Springfield, Missouri.
This is a short-term assignment anticipated to last approximately 90-120 days, with all approved project-related travel expenses covered by FST, including airfare, hotel accommodations, rental vehicle, and meals and incidentals at the applicable current GSA rate for Springfield, Missouri.
While this opportunity is short term in scope, FST’s expectation is that we will work to have continued employment available after this project is complete.
The primary focus of this role will be the visual inspection of welded process piping, sanitary/high-purity piping, mechanical systems, and associated installations within a regulated pharmaceutical construction environment.
Candidates are not required to currently hold an NDT VT Level II certification. Candidates must, however, possess sufficient previous visual inspection experience, technical knowledge, and practical skills to successfully complete FST's required VT Level II qualification process after hire and prior to mobilization to the project site.
## Required Experience & Qualifications
Qualified candidates should have substantial hands-on experience performing visual inspection of welded piping and mechanical systems at a level consistent with the responsibilities of an NDT VT Level II Inspector.
Candidates should demonstrate experience with:
- Visual inspection and evaluation of welded piping systems.
- Weld fit-up, joint preparation, alignment, weld profiles, and workmanship.
- Identification and evaluation of visible weld discontinuities and unacceptable conditions.
- Application of applicable codes, standards, specifications, drawings, and acceptance criteria.
- Process piping and mechanical system inspection.
- Weld maps, weld logs, inspection reports, material documentation, and QA/QC records.
- Reading and interpreting P&IDs, piping isometrics, construction drawings, specifications, and welding documentation.
- Working independently in the field and accurately documenting inspection results.
A current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential is highly desirable.
Previous NDT VT Level II qualification or certification is also highly desirable but is not required at the time of hire.
## Code & Inspection Knowledge
Candidates must possess, or be capable of demonstrating, working inspection knowledge applicable to pharmaceutical process piping, including:
- ASME requirements applicable to welding and inspection.
- ASME B31.3 - Process Piping.
- ASME BPE - Bioprocessing Equipment.
- Visual weld inspection and applicable acceptance criteria.
- Process piping fabrication and installation.
- Sanitary and high-purity stainless-steel piping and tubing.
- Weld documentation and traceability.
Experience with orbital welding, sanitary/high-purity piping, and pharmaceutical or life-sciences construction is strongly preferred.
## VT Level II Qualification Prior to Mobilization
FST will complete the required qualification and documentation process for selected inspectors after hire and prior to deployment to the project site.
Selected inspectors will be required to successfully complete all applicable requirements necessary for FST to qualify and document the individual as an NDT VT Level II Inspector under the applicable written practice and Quality Management System.
This process will include applicable examinations, practical evaluation, personnel qualification records, and required Level III review and approval.
Selected employees will also be required to complete the applicable visual acuity examination necessary to satisfy project and ASME BPE requirements prior to performing inspection activities onsite.
Candidates therefore do not need to arrive with an existing FST-issued VT Level II qualification; however, continued employment on this assignment is contingent upon successfully completing the required qualification process prior to site deployment.
## Key Responsibilities
- Perform visual inspection of process piping, sanitary/high-purity piping, welds, tubing, mechanical systems, and associated components.
- Evaluate welds and installations against applicable project specifications, drawings, procedures, codes, and acceptance criteria.
- Apply applicable ASME, B31.3, and BPE requirements during inspection activities.
- Inspect weld fit-up, joint preparation, alignment, completed weld profiles, and workmanship.
- Identify visible weld discontinuities, defects, and nonconforming installations.
- Review weld maps, weld logs, inspection reports, material documentation, and associated QA/QC records.
- Verify piping installations against P&IDs, isometric drawings, specifications, and approved construction documentation.
- Support inspection of sanitary and high-purity piping systems, including orbital-welded systems where applicable.
- Accurately document inspection results in accordance with project QMS requirements.
- Communicate deficiencies and nonconforming conditions to project QA/QC and construction personnel.
- Verify corrective actions and support deficiency closeout.
- Participate in system walkdowns, punch-list activities, turnover inspections, and final documentation review.
- Coordinate effectively with contractors, subcontractors, QA/QC personnel, construction management, and client representatives.
## Onsite Borescope Training
Once mobilized to the project, contracted inspectors will participate in the client's internal borescope inspection training, consistent with the training provided to the client's full-time inspection personnel.
Previous borescope inspection experience, particularly involving sanitary, high-purity, or orbital-welded process piping, is preferred but is not required.
## Preferred Background
Preference will be given to candidates with a combination of the following:
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
- Previous NDT VT Level II experience or qualification.
- Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life-sciences, semiconductor, food/beverage, or other high-purity manufacturing construction experience.
- Strong ASME B31.3 process piping inspection experience.
- Working knowledge of ASME BPE requirements.
- Sanitary/high-purity stainless-steel piping experience.
- Orbital welding inspection experience.
- Borescope inspection experience.
- Weld mapping and weld traceability experience.
- QA/QC turnover documentation experience.
## Travel Package
FST will cover approved project-related travel expenses for the Springfield assignment, including:
- Round-trip airfare/flights.
- Hotel accommodations.
- Rental vehicle.
- Fuel and approved project-related transportation expenses.
- Meals and incidentals at the current applicable GSA rate for Springfield, Missouri.
- Other approved project travel expenses in accordance with company policy.
## Project Duration & Schedule
The anticipated project duration is approximately 90-120 days.
Candidates should be prepared to commit to the project for the duration of the assignment. Work schedules may include extended hours, overtime, and/or weekend work depending on project requirements.
## Physical Requirements
Candidates must be able to work safely in an active pharmaceutical/industrial construction environment, including prolonged standing and walking, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, stooping, kneeling, accessing piping installations, wearing required PPE, and performing detailed visual inspections under varying field conditions. Potentially working from heights on ladders, scaffolding and wearing safety harness gear.
## Why Join FST Technical Services?
FST Technical Services provides quality assurance, quality control, commissioning, and technical services for technically demanding construction projects throughout the United States.
This assignment is an excellent opportunity for experienced CWIs and visual welding/piping inspectors to apply their skills on a major pharmaceutical project while receiving a comprehensive company-paid travel package.
If you have strong visual weld inspection experience, process piping knowledge, and experience consistent with an NDT VT Level II Inspector - even if you do not currently hold the VT Level II certification - we encourage you to apply.
Hourly pay range: $45 to $65 per hour based on experience