Director of Welding Engineering

The Director of Welding Engineering is responsible for the strategic and technical leadership of all welding engineering activities across projects and fabrication facilities. The role ensures the development, qualification, and execution of welding procedures in compliance with international codes and client requirements. The director also oversees welding quality, innovation, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Welding Engineering Leadership

• Develop and maintain all Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ).

• Provide technical direction for welding processes across various materials and fabrication scopes (carbon steel, stainless, duplex, Inconel, etc.).

• Lead troubleshooting for complex welding issues in shop or field environments.

2. Compliance & Code Adherence

• Ensure welding operations comply with ASME Sec VIII & IX, API codes (650/1104), AWS D1.1, ISO 15614, and customer specifications.

• Interface with certifying authorities and third-party inspection agencies for code compliance and audits.

• Lead efforts for maintaining certifications like ISO 3834, ASME U, S, R stamps.

3. Innovation & Process Optimization

• Evaluate and implement advanced welding technologies (e.g., GTAW, SAW, FCAW, GMAW, orbital welding, automated welding).

• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to reduce weld joints and improve manufacturability.

• Promote use of robotics and digital weld monitoring where applicable.

4. Training & Qualification Programs

• Lead welder training and skill development programs in alignment with project needs and new technologies.

• Manage welder qualification testing and renewal programs.

• Ensure standardization and competency across all welding personnel.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with QA/QC, Project Management, Fabrication, and Design teams to ensure project goals are achieved.

• Support bid/proposal teams in estimating welding scope, manhours, and special requirements.

• Participate in technical discussions and reviews with clients and certifying bodies.

Key Focus Areas

• Welding Processes Oversight:

  • SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW, GMAW, Orbital & Robotic Welding

  • Dissimilar metal welding, high-alloy materials, overlay welding

• Codes & Standards:

  • ASME Section VIII & IX

  • API 650, 1104

  • ISO 9606, 3834

  • AWS D1.1 / D1.6

  • NORSOK (where applicable)

• Documentation & Tools:

  • WPS, PQR, WPQ documentation systems

  • Weld mapping software

  • Welding simulators / digital welder training tools

  • ERP/MES platforms for welding tracking

• Product Scope:

  • Pressure vessels, skids, piping spools, turbine components, structural frames, offshore modules

• Key KPIs:

  • Weld rejection/rework rate

  • First-time right weld ratio

  • Welder qualification success rate

  • Audit pass rate (internal/external)

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Welding Engineering, Metallurgy, or Mechanical Engineering

• Certifications (Preferred):

  • Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng)

  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI or CSWIP)

  • ASNT Level II/III (for weld-related NDT methods)

  • ISO 3834 Lead Assessor (optional)

• Experience:

  • 15+ years in welding engineering, with 5–8 years in a senior or leadership role

  • Experience in high-spec fabrication for oil & gas, power, or defense industries

  • Familiarity with both manual and automated/robotic welding systems

• Skills:

  • Deep technical knowledge of welding metallurgy and process controls

  • Leadership in cross-functional and multi-site teams

  • Hands-on mindset with strategic vision

  • Strong communication and report-writing skills