Join a Leading UK Manufacturer
We are looking for an experienced QC Inspector (Welding) to join our growing manufacturing team at our Oldham facility. As one of the UK's leading manufacturers of fire sprinkler pipework, we supply critical life-safety products to customers across the UK.
This is a key quality assurance role responsible for ensuring all welding, fabrication, and pressure pipework assemblies meet company quality standards, customer specifications, and relevant industry codes.
The successful candidate will play a vital role in maintaining welding compliance, coordinating inspection and testing activities, supporting production teams, and driving continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing process. This is a hands-on position requiring a technically competent individual with strong welding inspection experience, excellent attention to detail, and a proactive approach to quality.
Key Responsibilities
Welding Inspection & Quality Control
· Carry out visual inspections of welding operations before, during, and after welding.
· Ensure all welding activities are completed in accordance with approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), drawings, and production documentation.
· Verify welder qualifications and confirm welding parameters are correctly set.
· Identify welding defects and non-conformances, ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly.
· Maintain full traceability of welds, materials, welding consumables, and welder qualifications.
· Conduct dimensional and visual inspections throughout the manufacturing process.
· Ensure all manufactured components comply with engineering drawings and customer specifications before release to the next production stage.
Pipework & Fabrication Inspection
Carry out detailed inspections including:
· Pipe identification and material verification.
· Pipe cutting and preparation inspections.
· Bore and flare inspections.
· Pipe length verification.
· Groove profile and groove depth inspections.
· Landing and engagement measurements.
· Outlet position and alignment measurements.
· Pipe and fitting level checks.
· Angle verification on fabricated assemblies.
· Non-standard branch measurements.
· End-of-pipe level checks.
· Internal socket inspections.
· Final weld inspections on completed assemblies.
Inspect the internal socket to ensure there are no cut holes, cracks, contamination, or visible defects.
Inspect welds on both the top and bottom of fittings, ensuring:
· Continuous weld profile around the full circumference.
· No evidence of cold lap, undercut, porosity, cracks, overlap, lack of fusion, or incomplete penetration.
· Welds meet internal visual acceptance standards and are fully sealed.
NDT Coordination & Technical Support
· Coordinate Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) activities including VT, MT, PT, UT, and RT where required.
· Liaise with external NDT providers and review inspection reports.
· Maintain structured inspection and testing schedules.
· Ensure all testing is completed in accordance with approved procedures and acceptance criteria.
· Record, maintain, and archive inspection documentation accurately.
· Raise non-conformance reports (NCRs) and support root cause investigations.
· Assist production teams in resolving quality issues efficiently.
Quality Systems & Compliance
· Support internal and external quality audits.
· Assist in maintaining welding procedures, inspection test plans (ITPs), quality records, and manufacturing documentation.
· Ensure calibration records for measuring equipment are maintained.
· Monitor compliance with customer specifications, company procedures, and applicable industry standards.
· Promote a proactive quality culture throughout the workshop.
· Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing defects, improving productivity, and increasing customer satisfaction.
Training & Continuous Improvement
· Deliver toolbox talks covering welding quality, inspection standards, and best practice.
· Support welders and production staff with technical guidance on quality requirements.
· Identify training requirements and contribute to skills development within the production team.
· Mentor junior quality personnel where appropriate.
Health, Safety & Housekeeping
· Ensure all inspection activities are carried out safely and in accordance with company health and safety procedures.
· Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment.
· Report quality concerns, equipment faults, or safety issues promptly.
· Wear and maintain the appropriate PPE at all times.
About You
Essential
· Recognised Welding Inspector qualification such as CSWIP 3.1, AWS CWI, TWI, or equivalent.
· Minimum 3 years' experience in welding inspection or quality control within a manufacturing, fabrication, or engineering environment.
· Strong understanding of welding processes, welding procedures, weld defects, and inspection techniques.
· Experience coordinating or reviewing Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).
· Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to producing high-quality work.
· Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively alongside welders, engineers, and production teams.
· Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise inspection schedules and documentation.
· Proficient in Microsoft Office and quality management documentation.
Desirable
· CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector or equivalent.
· PCN or ASNT Level 2 NDT qualifications.
· Experience working to EN 1090, PED, ASME, ISO 3834, or similar manufacturing standards.
· Experience within sprinkler pipework, pressure systems, or fabrication manufacturing.
· Internal Auditor qualification for ISO management systems.
· Experience delivering welding training or toolbox talks.
· Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement techniques.
Personal Attributes
We're looking for someone who is:
· Methodical, organised, and highly detail-oriented.
· Technically competent with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Confident making quality decisions and addressing welding-related issues.
· A proactive individual who takes ownership of quality standards.
· Calm and effective under pressure while managing multiple priorities.
· A positive team player with excellent communication skills.
· Committed to continuous improvement and maintaining the highest manufacturing standards.
What We Offer
· Competitive pay of £14.00–£16.50 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
· Permanent, full-time employment with a growing UK manufacturer.
· Overtime opportunities during busy production periods.
· Ongoing training and professional development.
· Company pension scheme.
· Additional annual leave.
· Health and wellbeing programme.
· Employee referral scheme.
· Free on-site parking.
· Long-term career progression within a stable and expanding business.
Location
Applicants must be able to reliably commute to, or relocate before starting work to:
Oldham OL9 9ND
Experience
We are particularly interested in candidates with:
· At least 3 years' experience in welding inspection or quality control within a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
· Experience inspecting welded pipework, fabricated assemblies, or pressure systems.
· Experience working within ISO-certified manufacturing environments.
· A proven track record of maintaining high quality standards while supporting efficient production.
Pay: £14.00-£16.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
