Summary:The role of the Engineering & Construction Quality Assurance NDE Specialist is to provide ongoing technical leadership, oversight, and support for nondestructive examination (NDE) activities related to radiographic testing (RT) and other NDE methods across all Engineering and Construction projects while supporting Operations and Integrity as needed. This position serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for X-ray and digital radiographic inspection technologies, ensuring compliance with applicable industry codes, standards, and company requirements while working closely with Welding, Materials, Corrosion, and Inspection personnel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:- Provide technical expertise and guidance for radiographic testing (RT), computed radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR), and other advanced NDE technologies utilized throughout Energy Transfer projects and operations.
- Develop, review, approve, and maintain NDE procedures, techniques, and inspection requirements in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and company specifications.
- Serve as the Responsible Level III in accordance with applicable certification standards and oversee qualification and certification programs for NDE personnel.
- Review and approve radiographic procedures, technique sheets, examination reports, and film/image quality to ensure compliance with project and regulatory requirements.
- Provide technical support for fabrication, construction, maintenance, integrity assessments, and failure investigations involving welds, piping systems, pressure vessels, tanks, and pipeline facilities.
- Evaluate NDE contractor qualifications and provide recommendations regarding vendor selection, performance, and capabilities.
- Support inspection scope development during project planning and execution phases, with an emphasis on risk-based inspection requirements.
- Conduct technical audits of NDE service providers, fabrication facilities, and construction sites to verify compliance with established procedures and company expectations.
- Assist Engineering, Construction, and Integrity teams in the assessment and disposition of weld discontinuities, inspection anomalies, and nonconformances.
- Review inspection and testing documentation, including Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), quality plans, welding procedures, and related project documentation.
- Provide technical interpretation of applicable industry codes and standards, including ASME, API, AWS, and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Investigate NDE-related failures, recurring defects, and quality concerns, providing recommendations for corrective and preventive actions.
- Support development and implementation of emerging NDE technologies and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participate in vendor audits, project quality reviews, root cause analyses, and lessons learned activities.
- Provide technical training and mentoring to inspectors, engineers, project personnel, and other stakeholders.
- Attend critical fabrication, construction, and commissioning activities to ensure NDE requirements are effectively implemented.
- Support development of corporate NDE standards, specifications, procedures, and best practices.
Required Skills (External)Requirements:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements for this position are listed below:
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Nondestructive Testing, Materials Science, or related technical discipline preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible NDE experience, with significant experience in Radiographic Testing (RT) and advanced imaging technologies.
- Current ASNT NDT Level III certification in Radiographic Testing (RT) required.
- Additional ASNT Level III certifications in Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Visual Testing (VT), or Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of radiographic theory, exposure calculations, film interpretation, digital detector technologies, image quality evaluation, and radiation safety practices.
- Strong working knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards, including ASME Section V, ASME B31.3, ASME B31.4, ASME B31.8, API 1104, API 650, API 620, AWS D1.1, and related standards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of fabrication, welding, pressure-containing equipment, pipelines, and associated inspection methods within the oil and gas industry.
- Thorough understanding of quality assurance and quality control principles, procedures, systems, and audit practices.
- Experience reviewing welding procedures, welder qualifications, NDE procedures, and inspection documentation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex technical issues and develop effective solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear technical reports and recommendations.
- Ability to interface effectively with contractors, inspectors, engineers, project managers, regulators, and executive leadership.
- Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple concurrent assignments.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and inspection data management systems.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally, often with limited advance notice.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience serving as a Responsible Level III for a major owner/operator, NDE service provider, or manufacturing organization.
- Experience with digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR), automated NDE systems, and advanced inspection technologies.
- Knowledge of pipeline construction, integrity management, pressure vessel fabrication, and storage tank construction.
- Experience supporting large capital projects within the midstream oil and gas industry.
- Previous experience conducting vendor, contractor, and quality management system audits.
Working Conditions:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Usually normal office working conditions.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time due to prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
- Frequent travel to fabrication facilities, construction sites, compressor stations, terminals, and operational assets.
- Occasional overnight and extended travel may be required.
- Regular visits to industrial, manufacturing, and construction environments which may include exposure to elevated noise levels, confined spaces, heights, extreme weather conditions, and moving equipment.
- May require use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, fire-resistant clothing, hearing protection, safety footwear, and other site-specific protective equipment.
- May be required to work in areas where radiographic testing activities are being performed and must maintain awareness of radiation safety requirements and controls.
