Quality Assurance Manager – Marine HVAC Equipment and Fabrication

The Quality Assurance Manager – Marine HVAC Equipment and Fabrication is responsible for establishing, implementing, and managing quality systems for the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of HVAC systems and components used in marine and offshore environments. The role ensures compliance with regulatory, classification society, and client specifications while driving continuous quality improvement across the supply chain and production floor.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Develop and enforce a robust Quality Management System (QMS) for marine HVAC manufacturing and fabrication operations.

  • Ensure compliance with international marine standards (IMO, SOLAS, ASHRAE, MARPOL), and classification society rules (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, BV).

  • Review and approve welding procedures, NDT reports, fabrication drawings, and HVAC product specifications.

  • Oversee in-process and final inspections of HVAC units, ductwork, chillers, AHUs, and system components for performance, durability, and corrosion resistance.

  • Develop and manage Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs) and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for shipboard HVAC systems.

  • Coordinate with production, engineering, and procurement teams to ensure materials and workmanship meet specification and marine environmental standards.

  • Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes for non-conformances and field failures.

  • Manage third-party audits and interface with classification society surveyors and customer QA/QC representatives.

  • Train and develop QA/QC staff in inspection techniques, standards interpretation, and reporting practices.

  • Maintain and continuously improve documentation systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ASME, AWS D1.1, PED).

  • Monitor key quality KPIs (e.g., rework rate, defect rate, audit outcomes) and report to senior management.

Key Focus Areas:

1. 1. Marine-Grade Fabrication Quality

      • Assure quality in HVAC components subjected to vibration, saltwater corrosion, and thermal cycling typical in shipboard/offshore environments.

   2. Regulatory and Classification Compliance

      • Maintain full compliance with IMO, SOLAS, ASHRAE, and major classification societies (ABS, DNV, BV, LR).

   3. Quality Leadership and Process Control

      • Build a culture of quality across the factory floor, ensuring traceability, adherence to weld procedures, and part certifications.

   4. Inspection and Testing Rigor

      • Enforce strict inspection protocols, testing plans, and documentation for HVAC performance and environmental compliance.

   5. Continuous Improvement and Risk Mitigation

      • Identify process improvements, reduce defect rates, and enhance reliability of HVAC equipment shipped to marine clients.

Qualifications and Skills:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related discipline.

  • 8+ years of experience in quality assurance, with at least 3–5 years in marine HVAC, MEP systems, or metal fabrication.

  • In-depth knowledge of marine fabrication standards, materials selection for corrosive environments, and HVAC system functionality.

  • Hands-on experience with ISO 9001, ASME codes, AWS D1.1, NDT techniques (VT, PT, RT), and weld quality inspections.

  • Familiarity with CMTRs, welding logs, ITPs, and certification packages required for marine HVAC components.

  • Strong leadership, communication, and auditing skills.

Preferred:

• • Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Lead Auditor (ISO 9001), or Six Sigma certification.

  • Experience with HVAC products for naval, offshore, or polar-class vessels.

  • Familiarity with marine coatings and HVAC insulation quality standards.

  • Working knowledge of ERP and QMS platforms (SAP, Oracle, ETQ, etc.).