Job Description

Job Summary
The Lead QC Engineer - Mechanical is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing all mechanical quality control activities on the project. You will ensure that all mechanical equipment, materials, fabrication, and installation work complies with project specifications, approved drawings, relevant codes, and standards (e.g., ASME, API, ANSI). You will lead a team of QC inspectors, manage non-conformance, and serve as the primary technical authority for mechanical quality issues.
Key Responsibilities
1. Quality Planning & System Management:

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Project Mechanical Quality Plan (PQP), Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), and related procedures.
• Review and approve contractor/subcontractor ITPs, procedures, and quality documents for mechanical scope.
• Ensure all quality control activities are aligned with the company's Quality Management System (QMS).

2. Inspection & Testing Oversight:

• Lead and coordinate all mechanical QC inspections throughout all project phases (receiving, fabrication, construction, installation, and commissioning).
• Witness and review critical tests including Hydrostatic Tests, Pneumatic Tests, NDE (RT, UT, MT, PT), hardness tests, and functional tests.
• Perform visual inspections of materials, equipment, and installations (piping, pressure vessels, structural steel, pumps, valves, etc.).
• Verify material certifications (MTCs) and ensure traceability against project requirements.

3. Team Leadership & Coordination:

• Supervise, mentor, and schedule a team of mechanical and welding QC inspectors.
• Conduct regular meetings with the QC team and contractors to communicate quality expectations, issues, and best practices.
• Coordinate QC activities with other disciplines (e.g., Electrical, Instrumentation, Civil) and project departments.

4. Non-Conformance & Corrective Action:

• Identify, document, and manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and Quality Deficiency Reports.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for significant quality issues and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented.
• Monitor the closure of NCRs and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.

5. Documentation & Reporting:

• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of all quality records, inspection reports, and test reports.
• Maintain the Mechanical Quality Dossier and ensure all documentation is complete for final project handover and client acceptance.
• Prepare weekly and monthly quality status reports for project management and the client.

6. Client & Third-Party Liaison:

• Act as the primary point of contact for the client and third-party agencies (e.g., Authorized Inspector) for all mechanical quality matters.
• Coordinate and witness hold points with clients and regulatory authorities.

Qualifications & Experience
Essential:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 10+ years of experience in a QC engineering role within the [e.g., Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power Plant] industry.
• 5+ years in a leadership or supervisory role managing QC inspectors.
• Extensive knowledge of international codes and standards: ASME Section VIII (Pressure Vessels), ASME B31.3 (Process Piping), API standards, and ANSI standards.
• Proven experience with welding processes and inspection (CSWIP or CWI certification highly desirable).
• Strong experience in NDE methods and their interpretation (ASNT NDT Level II VT/PT/MT/UT/RT is a significant advantage).
• Experience with material verification and PMI (Positive Material Identification).

Desirable:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Chartered Engineer status.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or CSWIP 3.1 certification.
• ASNT NDT Level II certifications.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience with rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, turbines) alignment and installation.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership: Strong ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth understanding of mechanical engineering principles, fabrication, and construction.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and root cause analysis skills.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interfacing with teams, clients, and management.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough with a zero-compromise approach to quality.
• Organizational: Superior organizational and documentation skills.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient in MS Office Suite and quality management software.

Working Conditions

• This role is primarily site-based and may require working in a fabrication shop, construction yard, or plant environment.
• Must be able to climb ladders, walk on uneven surfaces, and work in adverse weather conditions.
• Potential for international travel or relocation to project sites.

Skills Required