Steel Structure QC Engineer – Job Description
Position: Steel Structure QC Engineer
Department: Quality Control / Quality Assurance
Reports To: QA/QC Manager, Project Manager, or Construction Manager
Job Summary
A Steel Structure QC Engineer is responsible for ensuring that steel fabrication, welding, erection, bolting, painting, and related activities comply with project specifications, approved drawings, international standards, and client requirements. The role involves conducting inspections, coordinating quality activities, preparing documentation, and ensuring the structural steel works meet all quality and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Material Inspection
- Verify incoming structural steel materials, bolts, nuts, washers, and consumables against approved material specifications.
- Review Material Test Certificates (MTCs) and inspection reports.
- Ensure traceability of materials throughout fabrication and erection stages.
Fabrication Quality Control
- Inspect cutting, fit-up, drilling, grinding, and assembly activities.
- Verify dimensions, alignment, tolerances, and fabrication quality according to approved drawings.
- Monitor fabrication processes and ensure compliance with project requirements.
Welding Inspection
- Inspect welding activities according to approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
- Verify welder qualifications and welding records.
- Conduct visual inspections before, during, and after welding.
- Coordinate Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) activities such as:
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
- Dye Penetrant Testing (PT)
- Radiographic Testing (RT)
Structural Steel Erection Inspection
- Inspect erection activities for compliance with approved erection drawings and procedures.
- Verify alignment, plumbness, elevations, and structural connections.
- Ensure proper installation of structural members and supports.
Bolting Inspection
- Verify bolt grade, size, and installation methods.
- Inspect high-strength bolted connections.
- Witness bolt torque testing and tensioning activities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable bolting standards.
Surface Preparation and Painting Inspection
- Inspect surface preparation activities such as blasting and cleaning.
- Verify surface profile and cleanliness requirements.
- Monitor painting and coating applications.
- Measure and record Dry Film Thickness (DFT).
- Ensure coating systems meet project specifications.
Documentation & Reporting
- Prepare Inspection Requests (IRs) and quality reports.
- Maintain inspection records, checklists, and test reports.
- Prepare Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and corrective action reports.
- Review and maintain Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs).
Client & Consultant Coordination
- Attend inspections with client and consultant representatives.
- Resolve quality-related issues and follow up on corrective actions.
- Participate in quality meetings and project reviews.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Structural Engineering.
- Typically 3–10+ years of experience in structural steel fabrication and erection projects.
- Strong knowledge of steel structure inspection and quality control procedures.
- Ability to read structural drawings, shop drawings, and fabrication details.
Preferred Certifications
- CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- ASNT Level II (UT, MT, PT, RT)
- BGAS or NACE Coating Inspector
- ISO 9001 Internal Auditor
- Lead Auditor Certification (for senior positions)
Technical Knowledge
- Structural steel fabrication and erection
- Welding inspection and NDT methods
- High-strength bolting inspection
- Surface preparation and protective coatings
- Dimensional control and surveying
- Quality management systems
Applicable Standards
Knowledge of the following standards is often required:
- American Welding Society (AWS D1.1)
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- American Society for Testing and Materials
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001)
- American Institute of Steel Construction
- British Standards Institution / BS EN standards
- Project specifications and local building regulations
Skills Required
- Structural steel inspection
- Welding quality control
- NDT coordination
- Technical drawing interpretation
- Quality documentation and reporting
- Root cause analysis
- Communication and teamwork
- Microsoft Office and QA/QC software
- Attention to detail
