Welding Inspector

Overview of Role

As a Welding Inspector, you will be responsible for conducting inspections before, during, and after welding on safety-critical rolling stock vehicles and components, adhering to BS EN ISO 17637 standards for visual testing. Your duties will include investigating and reporting any non-conformances, compiling assurance documentation, and ensuring strict compliance with the Workshops BS EN 15085 and ISO 3834 quality requirements throughout the repair process.

Key Accountabilities

All accountabilities are essential to meet company mandated standards; to deliver quality welding and ensure a focus on consistent outputs and to ensure we have competent resources within our team to support Asset Performance & Capital Delivery (APCD) Fleet.

• Work independently and exercise professional judgement to ensure welding inspection activities are completed accurately, consistently and to the required quality and assurance standards.
• Undertake welding inspections before, during and after welding in accordance with approved Inspection Test Plans, welding procedures, engineering specifications and applicable standards.
• Interpret non-destructive testing (NDT) reports and identify corrective actions needed in line with work instructions and procedures.
• Interpret engineering drawings to ensure fabrications are produced in accordance with the drawing, comply to specifications and produce dimensional reports. Collaborate with welders and operational managers to ensure consistency, quality, and that railway assets meet or exceed minimum assurance levels.
• Record and report on non-conformances through the Logistics & Manufacturing (L&M) Quality Management system.
• Compile and complete quality documentation packs and verify their content meets the required standard.
• Accurately report on hours worked and costs to be recharged to customers to ensure value for money.
• Conduct internal surveillance audits in accordance with BS EN 15085 & ISO 3834 to ensure consistent welding standards, skills, and competencies of staff, meeting mandatory standard requirements.
• Ensure production activities are in accordance with the Welding Control Manual and conduct process confirmation checks for best practice.
• Witness welder qualification tests in accordance with ISO 9606 to maintain the competency of the welding team and prolong qualifications.
• Coach and mentor welding personnel, providing guidance to improve welding quality, promote best practice, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Skills

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, coupled with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Self-motivated, numerate, cost-conscious, and possessing a high level of analytical skills.
• Ability to read and understand Technical Drawings and welding specifications (desirable).

Knowledge

• Level 4 qualification in Mechanical Engineering or Fabrication & Welding, or relevant experience in an engineering discipline, or demonstrable equivalent industry experience in welding inspection/quality assurance.
• Working knowledge of the requirements and application of BS EN ISO 5817 and BS EN ISO 10042.
• Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office software packages (Excel, Word, and Access).
• Knowledge of working in a rail or large-scale manufacturing environment is desirable.

Experience

• CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector certification or an equivalent recognised welding inspection qualification – essential.
• Working knowledge and practical application of BS EN ISO 17637 for visual testing of welds – essential.
• ISO 9712 certification in relevant NDT methods (e.g., VT, PT, MT) – desirable.
• Previous qualification in welding - desirable.

Application Process

• Please apply using your CV only.
• Ensure your CV covers the skills, knowledge, and experience outlined in this advert.
• PDF format is preferred, and please do not include any photographs or images.

The closing date for applications is Monday 21st September at 11:59 PM. We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Vetting Process

At Transport for London, safety, trust, and fairness are central to our recruitment process. Our Vetting Charter explains the checks we carry out before you join. We ask that the information you provide is honest and accurate. If something doesn’t match or can’t be verified, we may not be able to move forward with your application, but we’ll maintain transparency, respect, and clear communication throughout.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory right-to-work checks. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. TfL is currently unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve. We believe a diverse workforce enables us to deliver better services and outcomes. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people. We aim to offer an assessment or interview to candidates who apply via the scheme where the minimum essential criteria for skills, knowledge, and experience has been met. In some circumstances, selection will be based on those who best meet the minimum criteria.

Selection methods may vary depending on the nature and scale of the campaign and will be applied fairly, consistently, and proportionately in line with our Disability Confident commitments.

We use anonymising software that removes identifying information from CVs and cover letters to ensure a fair process.

Benefits

In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope for growth. Benefits include:

• Final salary pension scheme
• Free travel on the TfL network
• Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home or 75% reimbursement on a 28-day flexi ticket
• 29 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays
• Hybrid working approach where business and role requirements allow
• Optional discounted private healthcare scheme
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
• Retail, health, leisure, and travel offers
• Discounted Eurostar travel

We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible, however some interviews/assessments could be organised at short notice.