Head of QA/QC (Shipbuilding)

The Head of QA/QC is responsible for leading all quality assurance and control activities during the construction, installation, and site commissioning phases of vessels. This senior role ensures compliance with international codes (ASME, API), project specifications, safety standards, and client requirements, while managing inspection teams, documentation, and quality processes on-site.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and manage the QA/QC team at the construction site (including welding inspectors, NDT personnel, and QC engineers).
• Develop, implement, and enforce the Project Quality Plan (PQP) specific to vessel construction activities.
• Align project quality control practices with applicable codes such as ASME Section VIII, API 650/620, and ISO standards.

Construction Phase QA/QC Oversight

• Oversee on-site vessel erection, welding, NDT, alignment, and hydrostatic testing activities.
• Ensure all inspection & test plans (ITPs) and checklists are followed during construction and installation.
• Coordinate with site engineers, supervisors, HSE teams, and client representatives for quality-related matters.
• Supervise the fit-up inspection, weld inspection, and verification of site welding procedures (WPS) and welder qualifications.
• Ensure all NDT activities (RT, UT, MT, PT) are performed by certified personnel and meet code requirements.
• Manage field repairs, non-conformance reports (NCRs), root cause analysis, and closure of corrective actions.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain and control quality documentation, including inspection records, welding logs, NDT reports, and test certificates.
• Review and approve Manufacturing and Erection Data Books (MDRs/EDRs) for vessel installation.
• Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance throughout the construction phase.
• Client & Third-Party Coordination
• Act as the primary quality contact for client representatives and third-party inspection agencies (TPI).
• Organize and lead client inspections, audits, and final acceptance testing (e.g., hydrotest, load testing).

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 10–15 years of QA/QC experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role involving pressure vessel construction or heavy industrial projects.
• Strong knowledge of ASME Section VIII, API 650/620, ISO 9001, and site QA/QC procedures.
• Familiarity with site HSE standards, lifting/rigging practices, and installation tolerances.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in integrating ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) into QA/QC practices.
• Background in EPC or turnkey projects involving fabrication and construction phases.
• Familiarity with digital QA systems or construction management platforms.

Certifications preferred:

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor
• CSWIP 3.2 / AWS-CWI
• ASNT Level II or III (RT, UT, PT, MT)