Quality Lead – Mechanical & Process Piping

Approach People; Limerick; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Company pension scheme

20+ days annual leave

Life assurance and income protection

Job summary

Approach People Recruitment is seeking an experienced Quality Lead for a client in the engineering sector. The role will oversee QA/QC across major mechanical installations, ensuring compliance with EN ISO 3834 and EU directives throughout fabrication, testing and handover.

You will manage ITPs, NCRs, audits and quality documentation, collaborating with project teams, subcontractors and client representatives to maintain high standards and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Trade background with inspection and QA leadership.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead Quality Plans, ITPs and QMS.
• Oversee welding, fabrication and NDT quality activities.
• Coordinate site inspections, audits and handovers.
• Manage NCRs and quality KPIs.
• Provide guidance to fabrication and construction teams.

Education

Trade qualification or relevant professional qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Welding, Fabrication or related discipline

Job description

Our client, an established engineering contractor specialising in complex mechanical installations and industrial projects, is seeking an experienced Quality Lead to oversee quality assurance and quality control activities across major engineering projects.

This senior position offers the opportunity to take ownership of project quality standards, manage inspection processes and ensure compliance with technical specifications, industry regulations and client requirements.

Working closely with project management, construction and fabrication teams, you will play a key role in maintaining high standards throughout the project lifecycle, from fabrication and installation to testing, commissioning and final handover.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management & Compliance

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of project-specific Quality Plans, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and quality management procedures.

• Ensure compliance with client specifications, applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements and EU directives.

• Support the implementation and maintenance of the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).

• Identify potential quality risks and implement appropriate mitigation and corrective actions.

• Monitor and manage Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs), ensuring timely resolution.

• Track and report quality KPIs, inspection results, audit findings and outstanding corrective actions.

• Promote a strong quality culture across project teams and subcontractors.

Welding & Fabrication Quality

• Oversee quality control activities associated with mechanical fabrication, welding and process piping installations.

• Act as the responsible welding coordinator in accordance with EN ISO 3834.

• Ensure compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.

• Verify welder qualifications, welding procedures and inspection requirements.

• Coordinate visual inspections, Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) and welding quality verification.

• Maintain accurate welding records, weld maps, material traceability and inspection documentation.

• Ensure welding inspections and testing activities meet project specifications and applicable standards.

• Support fabrication teams operating in workshops and off‑site manufacturing facilities.

Site Inspections & Auditing

• Conduct regular quality inspections and surveillance audits across construction sites, fabrication workshops and subcontractor facilities.

• Plan, execute and report on internal, supplier and subcontractor quality audits.

• Coordinate inspections and testing activities with client representatives and third‑party inspectors.

• Monitor subcontractor compliance with project Quality Plans and ITPs.

• Ensure materials and components meet quality requirements before installation.

• Deliver quality awareness sessions and toolbox talks to site teams.

Testing, Commissioning & Project Handover

• Coordinate inspection activities and system walkdowns ahead of pressure testing and mechanical completion.

• Oversee the preparation and verification of piping test packs, weld logs, inspection records and quality documentation.

• Ensure accurate recording of as‑built piping configurations, slope maps and material traceability.

• Coordinate the identification and closure of punch‑list items.

• Manage quality documentation required for system completion and final project handover.

• Review and approve turnover records to ensure compliance with contractual and technical requirements.

• Support project teams in achieving scheduled completion and handover milestones.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Project Managers, Construction Managers and Engineering teams to resolve quality‑related issues.

• Coordinate quality resources to ensure inspection and testing activities align with project schedules.

• Lead quality meetings with internal stakeholders, clients and subcontractors.

• Provide technical guidance and support to fabrication and construction teams.

• Identify opportunities to improve quality processes, operational efficiency and project delivery.

• Contribute to lessons‑learned initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Trade qualification or relevant professional qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Welding, Fabrication or a related discipline.

• CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspection certification (essential).

• Minimum 10 years of experience in fabrication, mechanical construction or process piping installations.

• Strong knowledge of welding inspection, NDT procedures and material traceability.

• Experience implementing Quality Plans, ITPs and quality management systems.

• Familiarity with EN ISO 3834 and the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.

• Experience managing quality activities on complex industrial or engineering projects.

• Knowledge of piping systems, pressure testing, mechanical completion and project handover procedures.

Personal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

• High attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.

• Confident decision‑maker with the ability to take ownership of technical issues.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and prioritise competing project requirements.

• Effective stakeholder management and team collaboration skills.

• Comfortable working in fast‑paced, schedule‑driven project environments.

What They Offer

• Competitive salary package.

• Company pension scheme.

• 21 days of annual leave, increasing with service.

• Life assurance and income protection.

• Employee assistance and wellbeing programmes.

• Access to digital healthcare services.

• Professional development and career progression opportunities.

• Financial support for further education and professional qualifications.

• Employee recognition and referral programmes.

• Social and team‑building activities.

Interested?

If you are an experienced Quality Lead with a strong background in welding inspection, mechanical construction and process piping, we would be pleased to hear from you.