Job Description

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Quality Assurance Inspector
Location: Baytown, TX
Zip Code: 77520
Start Date: Right Away
Pay Rate: $75 - $80 per hour
Keywords: #BaytownJobs #MechanicalQualityAssuranceInspectorJobs;

Position Summary
The Quality Assurance Inspector is responsible for ensuring that all construction, fabrication, installation, and turnover activities associated with capital projects comply with company quality standards, applicable codes, regulatory requirements, and project specifications. This position provides quality oversight across multiple disciplines including piping, mechanical equipment, civil, and structural steel.
The successful candidate serves as a key advisor to project and construction teams by making fact-based quality decisions, proactively identifying quality risks, supporting contractor performance, and ensuring complete and accurate project documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:
Construction Quality Assurance & Inspection
* Perform scheduled and unscheduled quality inspections throughout all phases of construction and fabrication activities.
* Conduct field inspections of piping systems, pressure vessels, equipment installations, structural steel, coatings, and civil works.
* Verify compliance with project specifications, engineering drawings, applicable codes, industry standards, and company requirements.
* Inspect pipe fabrication, fit-up, welding activities, flange makeup, valve installation, equipment installation, and final system reinstatement.
* Witness and document hydrostatic, pneumatic, leak, and pressure testing activities.
* Review contractor work practices and identify opportunities to prevent nonconformances, rework, schedule delays, and cost impacts.
* Perform random field safety audits and reinforce compliance with site safety requirements.

Inspection Planning & Execution
* Execute inspections required by Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), ensuring hold points and witness points are completed and documented.
* Coordinate and conduct vendor surveillance and off-site inspections at fabrication facilities and supplier locations.
* Prioritize inspection activities to support project schedules and milestones while maintaining quality requirements.
* Plan inspection activities efficiently to maximize productivity and minimize unnecessary overtime.

Quality Documentation & Compliance
* Review and approve:
o Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs)
o Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
o Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs)
o Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQs)
o Contractor Quality Management Plans and Quality Manuals
* Prepare and review quality documentation including:
o Weld maps
o Weld logs
o Inspection reports
o Flange torque documentation
o Test packages
o Nonconformance documentation
o Mechanical completion and turnover records
* Review project turnover and handover packages to verify completeness, accuracy, and traceability of quality records.
* Develop and improve inspection forms, checklists, and documentation processes to increase consistency and efficiency.

Quality Leadership & Technical Support
* Partner closely with Construction Managers, Project Managers, Contractors, Vendors, and QA/QC personnel to ensure alignment with quality expectations and project schedules.
* Provide technical quality expertise and recommendations to support critical project decisions.
* Resolve quality issues using objective evidence and sound engineering judgment.
* Assist in the evaluation, selection, qualification, and auditing of fabrication shops and vendors.
* Coach and mentor contractor QC inspectors on inspection techniques, documentation requirements, and quality expectations.
* Support dispute resolution between contractors and project teams regarding quality-related issues.
* Provide quality support for project closeout activities and completion documentation.
* Develop, maintain, and continuously improve project QA/QC estimates by evaluating project scope, risk, inspection requirements, contractor oversight needs, vendor surveillance activities, and turnover deliverables to ensure effective resource planning, budget accuracy, and successful project execution.

Cross-Functional Support
* Provide coverage and backup support for specialty inspection disciplines, including coatings and pressure containment testing (PCT), as business needs require.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project quality, safety, compliance, and execution efficiency.

Required Qualifications
* High School Diploma or GED required.
* Technical degree or trade certification preferred.
* Minimum 12+ years of QA/QC inspection experience in industrial construction, petrochemical, chemical manufacturing, refining, energy, or related industries.
* Demonstrated experience inspecting multiple disciplines including:
o Piping systems
o Welding and mechanical installations
o Pressure vessels and equipment
o Civil construction
o Structural steel
o Instrumentation and Electrical (I&E)

Preferred Certifications
One or more of the following certifications are preferred:
* API 570 - Piping Inspector
* API 510 - Pressure Vessel Inspector
* AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
* NACE/AMPP Coating Inspector
* ICC, ACI, or equivalent Civil Inspection certifications
* ASNT Level II certifications (as applicable)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
* Strong understanding of construction quality systems and QA/QC principles.
* Knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards including ASME, API, ASTM, AWS, and project-specific requirements.
* Ability to interpret engineering drawings, isometrics, P&IDs, specifications, procedures, and test documentation.
* Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound, fact-based decisions.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to effectively interact with contractors, vendors, engineers, construction managers, and project stakeholders.
* Strong organizational and documentation management skills.
* Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.

What This Role Contributes
This position plays a critical role in ensuring project quality, safety, compliance, and operational reliability. By proactively identifying and resolving quality concerns during fabrication and construction, the Quality Assurance Inspector helps reduce rework, prevent costly delays, improve contractor performance, and protect company assets. The position supports successful project delivery through expert technical guidance, effective quality oversight, thorough documentation management, and continuous engagement with project stakeholders.