PPG NDT Lead

About the Role
The Pipeline Senior NDT Lead is responsible for ensuring the seamless integration of pipeline Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques throughout the project lifecycle, guaranteeing the integrity and reliability of welded joints. This role requires extensive knowledge and experience in Advanced Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) techniques, including Zonal Discrimination, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT), and Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD), as well as the inspection of Corrosion-Resistant Alloy (CRA) girth welds. The primary focus is on the development and qualification of NDT techniques, alongside the implementation of NDT systems to meet high productivity and consistent quality standards. The incumbent will coordinate multidisciplinary teams and interface with key stakeholders such as NDT subcontractors, engineering, procurement, marine, quality, and clients to achieve project objectives while complying with international standards and mitigating risks. The NDT Lead is also accountable for the overall project execution, covering engineering, budget, qualification, equipment readiness, operation preparation, startup, quality, production KPIs, and lessons learned for all Pipeline NDT efforts.

Responsibilities
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement detailed Advanced NDT procedures, including calibration blocks required by contracts for pipeline welding activities during project planning and execution phases.
• Liaise with Operations Manager (Fabrication/Marine), Discipline Managers, Project Management Team (PMT), customers, Operations/Field Engineers, QC/NDT Engineers, Certifying Authority, NDT Subcontractors, and other Technical Agencies (e.g., TWI, DNVGL).
• Participate in the Bidding process, reviewing and summarizing customer specifications, identifying bid qualifications and clarifications, project welder and procedure qualification requirements, and NDT consumables requirements while providing inputs to develop pipeline technological cycle times and lay rates. Identify any special needs for execution and include them in the bid package.
• Responsible for project setup, planning, and readiness by developing the full scope of NDT procedures required during welding procedures, welder qualification, and materials estimation for qualification and production onboard.
• Seek review and approval of all Project Pipeline NDT Procedures through direct and indirect communication with the customer and Certifying Authority.
• Review the awarded NDT budget and maintain costs within budget, schedule, and productivity during execution.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels within the team according to the project schedule and Personnel on Board (POB) requirements during the offshore installation phase.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, subcontractors, and testing laboratories regarding testing of procedure and welder qualification coupons.
• Support procurement activities for pipeline-related components concerning NDT by participating in reviews of Material Requisitions (MR), Technical Bid Evaluations (TBE), vendor documents, and technical queries.
• Provide RFQ and technical selection of NDT subcontractors per project requirements. Coordinate with Supply Chain Management (SCM) and the project team by conducting regular reviews on the status of subcontract awards.
• Estimate NDT consumable requirements and conduct periodic reviews to optimize costs.
• Provide inputs for kick-off meetings and readiness reviews, including lessons learned during project setup, start of welding procedures, welder qualification, and pipeline installation while ensuring project closeout.
• Resolve issues and quality-related problems through investigation into causes of failures and prescribing fit-for-purpose approaches.
• Supervise and monitor offshore pipeline fabrication and installation, ensuring adherence to project specifications, codes, and standards.
• Ensure compliance with HSE requirements and quality assurance procedures throughout all stages of pipeline operations.
• Manage firing line activities by ensuring readiness, resolving startup issues, ensuring availability of NDT technicians, calibrated NDT equipment, monitoring actual pipelay rates against plans, and providing technical support during the installation phase. Evaluate the performance of NDT subcontractors onboard concerning productivity and interpretation of results.
• Prepare progress reports, maintain documentation, and support audits for project quality and safety compliance.
• Conduct NDT surveillance audits and regular monitoring of inspection activities, cross-checking jobs performed by Operators/Technicians in the Welding Training Center (WTC) and firing line on pipelay vessels.
• Promote innovation in the industry and work with all departments to execute R&D projects/goals identified for pipelines under the Pipeline Group (PPG).
• Assess employee performance and provide leadership and mentoring to the team.
• Provide inputs based on NDT results during welding procedure development and welder qualification to improve welding quality and ensure good workmanship practices for efficient transitions to Offshore pipelay.

Qualifications
Essential Qualifications and Education:

• High School Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, NDT Technology, or a related field.
• Certification in MUT, MPI, LPT, and AUT/PAUT (e.g., ISO 9712, PCN, CSWIP, ASNT Level III preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in NDT/AUT operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Proficient in the use of computer programs applicable to NDT, including preparation software, e.g., ES Beam tool, AUT software platforms (e.g., TomoScan, UltraVision, FocusScan, PipeWizard).
• Occupationally qualified to internationally recognized schemes that determine competency (i.e., PCN, CSWIP, ASNT, etc.).
• Proficient in accurately assessing examination results, sentencing welds, and reporting accordingly to relevant code/spec acceptance criteria.
• Preferred qualifications include a valid BOSIET, HUET, and Offshore Medical Certificate, and experience working on pipelay vessels, lay barges, or similar offshore assets.