PU Chief Inspector

The Chief Inspector is accountable for the integrity management, inspection programs, and regulatory compliance of all pressure equipment, piping systems, storage tanks, and related fixed assets within the refinery.

This role serves as the single point of authority for inspection governance under applicable industry codes (API, ASME, OSHA PSM) and ensures the refinery operates within design limits, inspection intervals, and mechanical integrity requirements.

Reports To: VP, Operations

Core Responsibilities

Mechanical Integrity Program Ownership

• Own and maintain the Mechanical Integrity (MI) program in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119.
• Ensure all covered equipment is inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with:
  • API 510 (Pressure Vessels)
  • API 570 (Piping Systems)
  • API 653 (Storage Tanks)
• Define and enforce:
  • Inspection intervals
  • Corrosion Monitoring Locations (CMLs)
  • Applicable damage mechanisms

Inspection Program Execution

• Develop and maintain Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programs (API 580 / 581).
• Ensure execution of:
  • Routine inspections
  • On-stream inspections
  • Turnaround inspections
• Maintain inspection plans aligned with corrosion circuits and process conditions.

Regulatory and Code Compliance

• Ensure refinery compliance with:
  • OSHA PSM
  • EPA RMP
  • ASME Section VIII / B31.3
  • State and local jurisdictional requirements
• Serve as the primary point of contact for:
  • Regulatory audits
  • Compliance reviews
  • Inspection authority interactions

Fitness-for-Service (FFS) & Engineering Support

• Lead or approve Fitness-for-Service (API 579) assessments for degraded equipment.
• Define repair vs. replacement decisions based on:
  • Risk ranking
  • Remaining life analysis
  • Operational constraints
• Provide technical interpretation of inspection findings to Operations and Engineering.

Turnaround (TAR) Inspection Scope

• Develop and control inspection scope for all planned outages:
  • Define mandatory inspection worklists
  • Identify high-risk equipment
  • Prioritize based on consequence of failure
• Validate inspection execution quality during turnarounds.
• Approve return-to-service decisions.

Data Integrity & Systems Management

• Own and govern inspection data systems.
• Ensure:
  • Accurate equipment records
  • Complete inspection histories
  • Reliable corrosion rate calculations
• Maintain auditable documentation for all MI activities.

Damage Mechanism Identification

• Maintain a living Damage Mechanism Review (DMR) for all units, including:
  • Corrosion
  • Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)
  • High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA)
  • Sulfidation, erosion, fatigue, etc.
• Ensure inspection plans directly address identified risks.

Vendor & Contractor Oversight

• Approve and monitor:
  • NDE contractors
  • Inspection vendors
• Enforce qualification requirements and quality standards.
• Ensure all inspection work complies with refinery specifications and applicable codes.

Required Qualifications

Certifications (Mandatory)

• API 510 – Pressure Vessel Inspector
• API 570 – Piping Inspector
• API 653 – Tank Inspector

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred) or equivalent experience

Experience

• 10 years in refinery inspection or mechanical integrity
• Demonstrated leadership of inspection programs and teams

Core Competencies

• Deep knowledge of API and ASME codes
• Strong judgment in balancing risk vs. operability
• Data-driven inspection planning (RBI expertise)
• Ability to challenge operations when integrity risk exists
• High attention to documentation and audit readiness

Equal Employment Opportunity
TIRCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any protected category.

ADA Accommodation
Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.