Lead Engineer Vendor Quality

Job Purpose

To lead quality assurance and quality control functions for all major equipment and components procured by the EPC contractor, ensuring that vendor deliverables meet the Owners quality, technical, and contractual requirements. The role involves reviewing inspection plans, monitoring vendor manufacturing, and participating in FATs, audits, and inspections.

Key Responsibilities

A. QA/QC Planning and Review

• Review and approve EPC-submitted:
• Inspection Test Plans (ITPs), Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs)
• Welding procedures, NDE plans, heat treatment methods
• Manufacturing Quality Plans (MQPs)
• Ensure plans comply with Owner’s specifications, international standards (ASME, ASTM, ISO), and applicable codes.

B. Vendor Surveillance and Inspections

• Lead stage-wise inspection and surveillance activities at OEM/vendor shops for:
• Steam turbine, generator, BFPs, condenser, feedwater heaters, piping components, control panels, etc.
• Witness key manufacturing and quality milestones: raw material inspection, forging, NDE, hydrotesting, balancing, machining, painting, assembly, FATs.
• Liaise with third-party inspection agencies (TPIAs) to ensure compliance with approved ITPs.
• Identify and follow up on non-conformities (NCRs), deviations, and hold points.

C. Documentation and Reporting

• Ensure vendor documentation including material test certificates (MTCs), calibration reports, traceability records, and final inspection dossiers are complete and accurate.
• Review and approve inspection reports, punch point closures, and manufacturing records prior to dispatch.
• Maintain QA/QC audit trails and prepare reports on vendor quality performance.

D. Coordination and Compliance

• Interface with procurement, engineering, and site teams to align delivery schedules with quality milestones.
• Support procurement in evaluating vendor prequalification and performance history.
• Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action plans for repetitive issues or failures.

Required Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or Metallurgy
• 12–15+ years of QA/QC experience in thermal power plant equipment manufacturing or EPC inspection teams
• Working experience with major OEMs (e.g., BHEL, Siemens, GE, L&T, Doosan, Thermax, etc.)
• Certified in NDE Level II/III, ISO 9001 QMS, or ASNT is a strong advantage
• Familiarity with ASME Section I, III, VIII, IX, and ASTM/API/IEC standards

Preferred Skills & Knowledge

• Expertise in stage-wise inspection protocols for large rotating and static equipment
• Hands-on experience with vendor audit processes and welding/PWHT inspections
• Understanding of material traceability, QA documentation, and FAT compliance
• Familiar with inspection report formats, punch point tracking systems, and digital QA/QC systems

Competencies

• Strong leadership and assertiveness in vendor interactions
• Keen attention to detail with methodical execution of inspections
• Good written communication and documentation skills
• Problem-solving mindset with focus on first-time-right delivery