Weld Teardown Technician At Slate, we're building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them. The Weld Teardown Technician supports Manufacturing Quality by performing weld inspections, non-destructive testing (NDT), destructive testing, measurements, and teardown activities to evaluate automotive body and chassis structures. This entry-level position is responsible for examining welds and joining methods to verify that components meet established engineering specifications and quality requirements. The technician will receive training in destructive and non-destructive inspection methods, and will prepare samples, collect accurate measurements, document results, and communicate findings to engineering and quality teams. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, an interest in automotive manufacturing and welding, and a willingness to learn inspection, NDT, teardown, and quality-control techniques. What You Get To DoPerform weld teardown and inspection activities on automotive body and chassis components. Perform non-destructive testing (NDT) of welds and components using approved inspection methods, including ultrasonic testing (UT) and chisel testing. Perform visual and dimensional inspections of welded assemblies and components. Inspect resistance spot welds, projection welds, MIG/MAG welds, laser welds, seam welds, and adhesive-bonded joints. Perform destructive testing, including weld peel and chisel testing. Perform ultrasonic inspections to identify and evaluate weld or material conditions in accordance with established procedures, inspection standards, and acceptance criteria. Set up and operate ultrasonic inspection equipment following appropriate training, procedures, and qualification requirements. Record and document ultrasonic inspection results and identify indications requiring further and document weld nugget size, weld locations, spacing, fusion, and other weld characteristics. Cut and section vehicle components and test samples using approved cutting and sample-preparation equipment (plasma cutters, grinders, wet saws, and similar equipment).Prepare samples for visual, dimensional, and metallurgical and document weld conditions such as inadequate fusion, insufficient nugget size, porosity, cracks, excessive penetration, and other discontinuities. Use precision measurement equipment such as calipers, micrometers, microscopes, weld gauges, scales, material hardness testers, and optical inspection equipment. Take photographs and maintain accurate inspection records. Compare inspection results with applicable engineering drawings, weld specifications, NDT procedures, standards, and acceptance criteria. Assist engineers and quality personnel with root-cause investigations involving weld, material, or manufacturing concerns. Support vehicle teardown and benchmarking activities by documenting construction methods, weld locations, joining technologies, and component characteristics. Assist with inspection and evaluation of structural adhesives, sealants, closures, underbody structures, and other BIW joining proper identification and traceability of samples, inspections, measurements, and test results. Perform routine care, verification, and basic maintenance of inspection equipment and assist with calibration activities. Prepare basic spreadsheets, charts, photographs, and presentation materials for engineering and quality reviews. Work collaboratively with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Supplier Quality, and other technical teams. Follow all company safety procedures and properly use required PPE.Conduct regular cleaning activities during and at the end of shift (5S activities).Perform other related duties as assigned. What You Bring To The Team Experience0–2 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, welding, fabrication, quality inspection, machining, mechanical assembly, NDT, or a related technical environment are preferred.
Required Qualifications:
Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical inspection, welding, and NDT processes.
Ability to use or learn to use basic measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, microscopes, and general handheld gauges.
Basic ability to read and understand technical instructions, drawings, diagrams, and inspection procedures.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately record measurements and
to follow written procedures, inspection instructions, and established acceptance criteria.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to safely operate or learn to operate cutting, grinding, sample-preparation, and inspection equipment.
Ability to follow established safety procedures and properly use required PPE.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in automotive manufacturing or Body-in-White (BIW) production.
Welding experience or formal welding training.
NDT training or experience, particularly Ultrasonic Testing (UT).Familiarity with resistance spot welding (RSW), MIG/MAG welding, or structural adhesives.
Experience with precision measurement equipment.
Experience reading engineering drawings or basic GD&T.Exposure to quality control processes, inspection procedures, or manufacturing
to weld cross-sections or laboratory sample
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification or interest in pursuing
certification or qualification, such as ASNT/SNT-TC-1A or equivalent employer-based
with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, or Statistical Process Control (SPC).
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift and handle components weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kg).Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and work around vehicle structures for extended periods.
Ability to work in manufacturing, vehicle teardown, inspection, and laboratory environments.
Ability to safely operate cutting, grinding, sample-preparation, and inspection equipment after appropriate training.
Ability to work around noise, metal components, dust, and normal manufacturing and laboratory conditions.
Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toe footwear.
Ability to perform repetitive inspection, measurement, documentation, and sample-preparation activities.
Work Environment:- The Weld Teardown Technician will work in a combination of manufacturing, vehicle teardown, inspection, NDT, and laboratory environments.
- The position may involve working around vehicle structures, production equipment, cutting and grinding operations, ultrasonic inspection equipment, and other manufacturing processes.
- The technician is expected to maintain a safe, organized, and clean work area and follow all applicable company safety procedures.
- Why Join Team Slate?
- At Slate, we're fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.
- Safety First
- Delight Customers
- One Team
- Relentless Improvement
- Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
- Respectful Collaboration
- Positive LegacyWe Want To Work With People That Reflect The Communities In Which We
is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.
Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at.
