The Director of Supplier Quality – Mechanical Product Integrity (API/ASME) is accountable for developing and enforcing robust supplier quality programs for critical mechanical components, systems, and pressure-retaining equipment. The role ensures that all procured materials, including valves, pumps, vessels, and piping systems, meet stringent engineering codes and international standards (API, ASME, ISO, PED, NACE) and project-specific requirements.
The director will lead a global team of supplier quality engineers (SQEs), inspectors, and technical auditors, managing quality performance across the full vendor lifecycle—from qualification to production and delivery.
Design and implement supplier quality frameworks for mechanical equipment categories, especially:
Valves and actuators (API 6D, 598, 607)
Pressure vessels and exchangers (ASME Section VIII)
Rotating equipment (API 610, 617)
Piping components (ASME B31.3, B16.5)
Establish clear inspection protocols, ITPs, FAT/SAT procedures, and documentation requirements (MRB, CoC, MDR, WPS/PQR).
Ensure vendors comply with end-user specifications, industry codes, and contract requirements.
Lead technical audits and prequalification assessments for global suppliers, with emphasis on fabrication capabilities, weld quality, NDE procedures, calibration, and traceability.
Evaluate suppliers’ compliance with API Q1, ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, and ASME U stamp requirements.
Maintain an approved vendor list (AVL) based on quality, capacity, HSE, and ethical compliance.
Oversee QA/QC activities at supplier facilities—witnessing critical inspections (NDT, PMI, hydrotest), dimensional checks, and performance testing.
Manage non-conformances (NCRs), root cause analysis (RCA), and Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA) programs.
Ensure timely resolution of quality issues and maintain full documentation trails for audits and customer handover.
Interface with project quality managers and engineering to define supplier quality plans (SQPs) aligned with project milestones and risk profiles.
Track quality KPIs (NCR rate, rework %, audit findings) per supplier and per equipment category.
Coordinate QA/QC for long-lead items, modular packages, and high-spec mechanical assemblies.
Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on international codes and mechanical design standards.
Lead initiatives to reduce quality incidents, improve first-time-right delivery, and enhance supplier capability through training, coaching, and quality clinics.
Develop risk-based inspection (RBI) approaches for supplier oversight and batch release protocols.
Manage and mentor a global team of SQEs, inspectors, welding engineers, and quality analysts.
Foster a culture of quality, integrity, and compliance across sourcing, engineering, and supplier networks.
Represent supplier quality in executive meetings, audits, and customer interface forums.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, or Materials Science (Required)
ASME/ANSI/API Code Certification, ISO 9001/Lead Auditor or Welding Inspector (e.g., AWS-CWI, CSWIP) (Preferred)
15+ years in supplier quality, welding/fabrication QA, or quality leadership roles in industrial, EPC, or energy sectors
Strong track record managing supplier quality for pressure-retaining equipment and rotating/static mechanical systems
Hands-on experience with international manufacturing, fabrication shops, and OEM inspections
Deep technical knowledge of API, ASME, ISO, PED, NACE, ASTM, AWS
Supplier auditing, vendor qualification, and fabrication process control
NCR/CAPA management and technical troubleshooting
ITP creation, inspection planning, and compliance auditing
Leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder communication
Strong documentation and risk management practices