Valve Integrity Engineer (API 570, 579)

We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Valve Integrity Engineer to lead the inspection, evaluation, and fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments of industrial valves used in high-pressure, high-temperature, and corrosive service environments. The candidate must demonstrate strong technical command of API 570 and API 579, with the ability to independently manage mechanical integrity programs for valves, contribute to RBI strategies, and drive failure prevention through root cause analysis and data-driven recommendations.

Key Responsibilities:

🔍 Mechanical Integrity Program Leadership

• Develop, implement, and oversee valve integrity strategies across multiple sites or units.

• Own the inspection interval justification and inspection plans for critical and non-critical valve populations using risk-based methodologies.

• Ensure full compliance with API 570, API 579, ASME B31.3, ASME Section VIII, and site-specific mechanical integrity procedures.

🧮 Advanced Fitness-for-Service (FFS) Assessments

• Conduct and lead Level 1 and Level 2 FFS assessments for valves with material degradation, dimensional loss, or operational anomalies.

• Review and validate remaining life calculations, minimum required thickness, and re-rating decisions.

• Lead criticality assessments and make final recommendations for valve repair, replacement, or continued operation.

🛠️ Valve Failure Diagnosis & RCA

• Serve as SME for valve failure modes, such as stem seizure, seat damage, corrosion under insulation (CUI), erosion, thermal fatigue, and improper torque.

• Lead or participate in root cause failure analysis (RCFA) and failure investigations to prevent recurrence.

• Develop engineering bulletins and best practices for recurring integrity issues.

📊 Data Analytics & Reporting

• Analyze large datasets from inspections and maintenance history to identify degradation trends and anomalies.

• Maintain and update valve condition records, integrity documentation, and performance dashboards using digital tools (e.g., PCMS, Meridium, SAP PM).

• Present technical findings and risk evaluations to site leadership and regulatory stakeholders.

🧪 Inspection Oversight & Technical Guidance

• Supervise or support NDT application (UT, PT, MT, RT) and valve-specific tests (leakage, hydrostatic, torque testing).

• Provide guidance on NDT interpretation, tagging, and valve condition classification.

• Support the validation of contractor reports and inspection outcomes during turnarounds and emergency inspections.

🧾 Compliance & Audit Readiness

• Ensure all valve inspection and integrity activities are audit-ready and meet local jurisdictional, insurance, and API standards.

• Prepare and present technical documentation during internal audits, third-party verifications, and customer quality assessments.

🤝 Cross-functional Leadership

• Collaborate with maintenance, reliability, operations, QA/QC, and project engineering to align valve integrity with production and safety goals.

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in mechanical integrity, FFS, and API standards.

• Act as the technical authority for valve integrity during risk reviews, PHAs, and design changes.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred).

• Experience:

  • 8+ years of progressive experience in valve integrity engineering, mechanical integrity programs, or pressure equipment inspection in critical industries.

• Certifications (Required/Preferred):

  • API 570 – Piping Inspector (Required)

  • API 579 – Fitness-for-Service (Advanced proficiency required)

  • NDT Level II or III certification in UT/MT/PT (preferred)

  • Familiarity with API 510, API 571, or NBIC (added advantage)

Technical Skills:

• Strong command of valve construction, pressure boundary design, and degradation mechanisms.

• Proficiency in FFS analysis tools, Excel-based or commercial (e.g., API RBI, PCMS, or proprietary software).

• Familiar with CAD (for drawing reviews), SAP PM or CMMS systems, and plant data historians (PI, Honeywell, etc.).

Soft Skills:

• Technical leadership and mentoring ability

• Strong communication and report writing skills

• High attention to safety and regulatory compliance

• Analytical mindset with problem-solving capability

• Effective under pressure and in field environments

Work Environment:

• Mixed field-office role, with periodic site visits to plants, shutdowns, and emergency response locations.

• May involve travel to multiple facilities, contractor shops, or inspection sites.

• PPE and adherence to HSE protocols are mandatory during site work.