The Senior Compliance and Certification Engineer is responsible for leading and managing the regulatory certification process for marine valve systems and pressure-retaining components in accordance with ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), USCG (United States Coast Guard), and applicable international marine standards. This role drives the development of compliance strategies, oversees audits and inspections, and ensures that internal processes and documentation align with current regulatory and classification society requirements.
Serve as the technical authority on ABS, USCG, and other classification/regulatory requirements related to marine valves, actuators, piping systems, and pressure equipment.
Lead product approval efforts including Type Approval, design review, hydrostatic testing, NDT certification, and factory inspection coordination with classification societies.
Develop, review, and approve compliance packages such as material certifications, Inspection Test Plans (ITPs), WPS/PQRs, test procedures, and audit documentation.
Interpret complex regulatory changes and communicate their technical impact to engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
Oversee regulatory liaison and represent the company in discussions with ABS, USCG, DNV, LR, or customer-appointed surveyors.
Ensure that all documentation and product data meet traceability and regulatory standards.
Support quality system audits and root cause analysis of compliance-related nonconformances (CAPAs).
Mentor and support junior compliance engineers and act as a lead reviewer of regulatory submittals and design packages.
Provide regulatory input into design reviews, R&D projects, and change control processes.
Lead internal training efforts on current certification requirements and best practices for documentation and inspection readiness.
Valve Systems Certification: Oversee technical and documentation compliance for valves used in shipboard and offshore systems.
Regulatory Leadership: Act as company expert on ABS, USCG, and international compliance frameworks (IMO, SOLAS, API, ASME).
Audit & Liaison: Lead formal certification processes, regulatory body engagement, and factory acceptance testing (FAT).
Documentation Control: Ensure robust and accurate documentation for all pressure equipment and mechanical certifications.
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred).
7–10+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, marine mechanical systems certification, or QA/QC for valves and pressure systems.
In-depth knowledge of classification society requirements (ABS, DNV, BV, LR) and regulatory bodies (USCG, IMO, SOLAS).
Hands-on experience with valve qualification standards including ASME B16.34, API 594/598, B31.1, B31.3, and marine piping codes.
Proven track record managing audits, inspections, and product approvals with class societies or maritime authorities.
Strong technical writing and document management experience related to compliance and traceability.
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), or similar
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification
NDT Level II or III (VT, PT, UT, RT) preferred
Familiarity with PLM/ERP systems and engineering design software
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to manage cross-functional compliance activities and regulatory interactions