QC Manager/Welding Engineer

Position Summary

RPG is seeking an experienced and highly motivated QC Manager / Welding Engineer to support our Nuclear, Defense (NAVSEA), and Industrial business segments. This position is responsible for partnering with quality assurance personnel and overseeing quality control programs, welding engineering activities, code compliance, procedure development, welder qualification programs, audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader supporting ASME, AWS, NAVSEA, NQA-1, and customer-specific quality requirements while working closely with Operations, Project Management, Welding, and Executive Leadership teams.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Quality Control Management

• Manage and maintain company Quality Control programs.
• Ensure compliance with ASME, AWS, NAVSEA, NQA-1, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with internal and external audits, surveillance activities, and manage customer/vendor assessments.
• Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, and inspection plans.
• Investigate nonconformances and lead corrective and preventive action initiatives.
• Monitor quality metrics and drive continuous improvement efforts.

Welding Engineering

• Develop, review, and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ).
• Provide technical guidance on welding processes including SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW, and specialty applications.
• Interpret and apply ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1, NAVSEA S9074 requirements, and customer specifications.
• Support welding manager, testing programs and qualification activities conducted at the Rock Hill facility.
• Assist in resolving welding-related production, fabrication, and field issues.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and contract requirements for compliance.

Inspection & Program Oversight

• Oversee receipt inspections, in-process inspections, final inspections, and documentation reviews.
• Ensure proper material traceability and certification control.
• Manage calibration programs and inspection equipment.
• Support source inspections and customer witness points.
• Review turnover packages and quality records for completeness and compliance.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary quality representative for welding in Nuclear and NAVSEA programs.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and training to QC Inspectors and operational personnel.
• Partner with project teams to ensure quality requirements are identified and implemented during project planning and execution.
• Participate in proposal reviews, project kickoffs, and customer meetings.
• Support company growth initiatives involving new quality programs, certifications, and customer qualifications.

Qualifications

Required

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).

• Bachelor''s Degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

• Minimum 7 years of quality and/or welding engineering experience in highly regulated industries.

• Strong working knowledge of:

• ASME Section III, V, VIII, IX

• AWS Codes and Standards

• NAVSEA Welding and Quality Requirements

• NQA-1 Quality Programs

• Material Traceability and Documentation Control

• Experience developing WPSs, PQRs, and WPQs.

• Experience leading audits and managing corrective action programs.

• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

• Ability to travel periodically to customer sites, shipyards, and power generation facilities.

• Team development and mentoring

• Familiarity with ASME N-Stamp, R-Stamp, and NBIC requirements.

Preferred

• Welding Engineering Degree.
• AWS Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI).
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• Lead Auditor Certification.
• Experience supporting Nuclear Power Generation projects.
• Experience supporting NAVSEA and U.S. Navy programs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both an office environment and an active welding/manufacturing facility.
• Must be able to stand and walk within the facility for extended periods, including on concrete floors.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated platforms or inspection areas as needed.
• Must be able to bend, kneel, crouch, or reach to inspect welds, equipment, and materials.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials, tools, or equipment up to approximately 25-35 pounds.
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform detailed weld inspections, read technical drawings, and identify quality defects.
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures, noise levels, and exposure to dust, fumes, or odors typical of welding operations (with appropriate PPE provided).
• Must be capable of wearing required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, steel‑toed footwear, hearing protection, and occasionally respiratory protection.
• Ability to travel between corporate office spaces, production areas, and project sites as required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

RPG is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, criminal history, ancestry, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, or discharge from military service. RPG provides its services to many clients in their various business sectors who may have physical, mental, pre-employment screening and/or citizenship requirements. These requirements are driven by contracts and/ or security requirements that RPG is required to adhere to, and which may vary between clients and their respective high-security industries. Misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications or background information is grounds for termination, denial of employment and/ or disqualification from future employment consideration.