AISC-IEC-AWS speaking and article Content By Lee A Pielaet

I am the President of Pioneer Steel Services, Inc. and a former AISC Certification Auditor with nearly 40 years of experience in the structural steel industry. I have conducted over 1,100 AISC certification audits across more than 875 cities in 32 countries and have reviewed 451 certification applications, including eligibility determinations for Intermediate Bridge, Advanced Bridge, and Fracture Critical endorsements.

I worked exclusively with QMC and the American Institute of Steel Construction for over 14 years, gaining direct insight into how certification programs are evaluated, applied, and enforced. My experience spans fabrication, erection, inspection, and Quality Management Systems, with a focus on practical implementation that aligns with real shop operations.

I am a voting member of the Research Council on Structural Connections and contribute to the development and review of structural bolting standards. I have also served on the American Welding Society Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC) committee since 2020, supporting technical content and industry education.

I currently support over 170 active clients across the structural steel industry, providing certification, quality system development, and audit preparation services.

I have authored articles in Modern Steel Construction, Inspection Trends, and The Connector, and have presented at NASCC: The Steel Conference and the AWS Inspection Expo & Conference.

Presentations include:

• Corrective Action Request vs. Nonconforming Work 
• Quality Auditing vs. Inspection 
• Required Contractor Inspections (Fabricator/Erector) – Welding & Bolting 
• Building Blocks of Calibration Systems 
• Contractor Responsibilities for Inspection 
• Artificial Intelligence in Welding Inspection (2026) 

In 2026, I also participated as a panelist on Arc Junkies Podcast Episode 396, discussing AI, automation, and the future of inspection.

My work is focused on helping companies achieve, manage, and upgrade their AISC certifications through structured, audit-ready systems that perform in real-world conditions.

Pioneer Steel Services, Inc.'s partnership with AISC goes beyond providing certification services for our clients. Our team also served as AISC's Certification Program Application Reviewer for nearly three years, reviewing hundreds of applications for deficiencies before documentation audits. This allowed us to provide critical support to AISC in ensuring that all applicants met the necessary criteria for certification.

In addition to application support, we also determined the eligibility of applicants to the AISC Intermediate and Advanced Bridge programs as well as the Fracture Critical Endorsement. Our team's expertise and experience in these specialty areas allowed us to provide invaluable insights into the qualification and certification processes for these programs, ensuring that only the most qualified applicants were certified.

Our team is committed to supporting the AISC and the steel industry at every level. Whether through certification services for our clients or supporting AISC's internal certification programs, we strive to help promote safety, quality, and excellence in the industry as a whole.

Pioneer Steel Services, Inc. has a proven track record of helping companies achieve, manage, and upgrade their AISC certifications. Over the past seven years, we have worked with more than 160 clients, providing expert guidance and support to help them meet AISC certification requirements.

Our simple and straightforward approach to quality management and erectors' quality and safety management systems means that our clients do not need a solely dedicated employee to manage AISC certification. We work closely with our clients to tailor solutions that meet their unique needs, making sure that their quality management systems are efficient, effective, and compliant with industry standards.

As an authorized Skidmore-Wilhelm Bolt Tension Indicator dealer, we offer factory direct pricing on their industry-leading products. Our team is trained to provide expert guidance on proper bolt installation and tightening procedures, and our partnership with Skidmore-Wilhelm allows us to offer unparalleled support to our clients.

We are committed to helping our clients achieve the highest level of quality and safety in their steel operations. Contact us today to learn more about our AISC certification and Skidmore-Wilhelm product offerings and how we can help your company succeed.