Thought Leaders: James Bowen, CWI

With more than 25 years in welding inspection, non-destructive evaluation (NDE), special inspections and quality assurance, James Bowen, CWI, ASNT Level III, and ICC Master of Special Inspection, has built his career around a simple principle: testing finds problems; inspection prevents them. 

Expertise + Perspective 

A two-time AWS Dalton E. Hamilton CWI of the Year recipient, ICC exam developer and contributor to the ICC Special Inspections Manual, James helps shape the standards that guide structural integrity, welding inspection and code compliance nationwide.  

Business Perspective in Action 

As Corporate NDE Level III for ECS, James oversees NDE certification, training, procedures and quality oversight programs that help produce repeatable, defensible inspection data. His work spans structural steel, welding, bridge inspection and infrastructure projects, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art Renovation, where he developed custom welding acceptance criteria and qualified welders for landmark restoration. He advocates integrating inspection throughout construction because early quality assurance reduces rework, cost and risk.  

Professional Affiliations

AWS Triangle Section Officer (12 years) 

AWS Triangle Chairman (2024-2026) 

AWS Triangle Vice-Chairman (Present) 

AWS D1Q-Steel Committee Member 

AWS TG4 – Inspection Committee Member 

AWS B1A – Guide for Nondestructive Testing Committee Member 

B1B – Guide for Visual Examination Committee Member 

B1C – Welding Inspection Committee Member