The Piping & Structural Steel Vendor Surveillance QA Inspector ensures shop-fabricated piping and
structural steel from suppliers meets design intent, purchase orders, codes, regulations, and Tesla
standards before shipment and site delivery. You will perform onsite supplier surveillance-prequalification, periodic, and for-cause-including ITP/hold-point inspection, documentation validation, witness of fabrication, welding, NDE, and testing, nonconformance management, and supplier
performance feedback to Procurement, Engineering, and Quality. This role requires extensive
domestic and/or international travel; a valid passport (or ability to obtain one) and ability to obtain
visas are required.
- Conduct supplier surveillance at fabrication shops (pre-qualification, periodic, and for-cause) to verify compliance with contracts, specs, drawings, ITPs, codes, and Tesla quality requirements for shop-fabricated piping (spools, pipe supports, manifolds) and structural steel (steel structures, platforms, pipe racks, modules, and miscellaneous metals)
- Review and validate vendor documentation packages, including ITPs, material certifications/MTRs, heat traceability, WPS/PQR and welder qualifications, weld maps/logs, NDE reports, dimensional/as-built records, coating/galvanizing records, and pressure test packages (as applicable); hold release when documentation is incomplete or nonconforming
- Witness and verify critical fabrication, inspection, and test activities at hold/witness points (material verification, fit-up, weld visual, dimensional checks, NDE, PWHT, hydrostatic/pneumatic tests, coating inspection, and final assembly) to confirm acceptance criteria are met
- Identify, document, and track nonconformances; collaborate with suppliers on corrective actions and verify effective closure before shipment or final acceptance
- Prepare clear, actionable surveillance and inspection reports with findings, risk assessment, and recommended disposition; communicate results to Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and project stakeholders to support sourcing and release decisions
- Verify pre-shipment readiness, including preservation, end caps/protection, packing, piece marking/tagging, and shipping documentation, prior to release from the vendor
- Monitor supplier quality trends and feed performance data into continuous improvement efforts and the vendor quality database
- Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification preferred, or equivalent welding/fabrication inspection qualification with demonstrated piping and structural steel shop experience; working familiarity with supplier quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001)
- Minimum of 8 years' inspection/audit experience on large-scale industrial or energy projects, including at least 3 years in vendor surveillance / source inspection of shop-fabricated piping and/or structural steel
- Ability to read and interpret POs, piping and structural drawings, specs, ITPs, weld procedures, and fabrication packages; strong written and verbal communication with suppliers and cross-functional teams
- Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (e.g., ASME B31.x, ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1, AISC; ASTM material standards) and proficiency with inspection methods and tools appropriate to shop surveillance (weld visual and dimensional inspection, fit-up/hi-lo, weld gauges, material identification, coating inspection as applicable); familiarity with NDE methods and documentation (RT, UT, MT, PT)
- Demonstrated ability to work independently at supplier shops, exercise sound release/hold judgment, investigate quality issues, and drive corrective action to closure
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively (domestic and/or international), often on short notice, with a valid passport or ability to obtain passport and required visas
- Solid understanding of quality management principles across fabrication, weld/NDE, test, shipment, and project turnover; ability to perform in a high-performance, cross-functional environment with tight timelines
Benefits
Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
- Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
- Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
- Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
- Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
- Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
- Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
- Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
- Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
- Tesla Babies program
- Commuter benefits
- Employee discounts and perks program