Well, I can only really speak from experience in the petroleum industry however I believe some principles carry over to all industries. I believe that right now more than the last few years companies are looking for and holding out for people with more experience because they can get them to come over and can get them for less than a few years back. Your solution to this is to increase your certifications/qualifications if you can not increase your experience. A magnetic particle or liquid dye penetrant certification would dress up your resume as would Ultrasonics. Look into Hellier or search for companies offering NDE/NDT training in your area. These additional certifications will enhance your CWI in most industries. You do have experience because you have been welding for 8 years and I would assume your company saw something in you to move you to a quality control position. You hold an AWS CWI certification which shows you have at least a minimum amount of education and experience to properly inspect and evaluate welds to a given standard. You show that you have drive, determination and a desire to improve yourself by paying for your CWI on your own.
I do not work on the East Coast so I cant help you there. However I can think of some people on this forum that do and might be able to steer you in a good direction. Have you considered looking for a decent welding job and trying to slip into a QC position from within? Bottom line is the more certs you have the better your chances are at landing that job. NDE certs can be had for $700 to $1000+ per class and may help get your foot in that door.
http://www.mistrasgroup.com/Mistras is headquartered in Princeton Junction NJ and performs work all over the country.
http://www.roadtechs.com/Wanna travel....Here ya go
http://www.qaqccrossing.com/Havent explored these guys too much...maybe youll find something...