Role Overview
Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Welding Inspector in Saudi Arabia to ensure the quality and integrity of welded structures within our CIL plant and refining facilities. This role is critical for maintaining the reliability of process piping, pressure vessels, and structural steelwork essential to our gold refining operations. The inspector will enforce compliance with international codes and internal quality standards to support safe and efficient plant performance.
The Welding Inspector will report directly to the Quality Engineer and will play a key role in validating weld quality during construction and maintenance activities. This position ensures that all welding work meets the rigorous demands of the mining and precious metals industry while adhering to Vision 2030 industrial standards.
Key Responsibilities
The following responsibilities define the core duties of the Welding Inspector at Saudi Gold Refinery.
- Visual Weld Inspection: Conduct detailed visual inspections of welds in accordance with AWS D1.1 and ASME Section IX standards. Verify joint preparation, fit-up, and final weld appearance to ensure compliance with approved specifications.
- NDT Coordination: Coordinate with third-party NDT providers to schedule radiographic and ultrasonic testing of critical welds. Review NDT reports and ensure that any rejected welds are repaired and re-tested according to code.
- Documentation Management: Maintain accurate weld maps and logs that trace each joint to the specific welder and procedure used. These records are essential for quality audits and future maintenance reference.
- Code Compliance Verification: Verify that all welding activities adhere to ASME B31.3 and ASME Section VIII codes. Validate that welders hold current certifications for the specific processes and positions employed on site.
- Material Certification Verification: Check material certifications for base metals and welding consumables to ensure they match project requirements. Ensure that only approved materials are used in the welding process.
- Safety and PTW Compliance: Ensure that all welding activities are covered by valid permits-to-work and adhere to HSE guidelines. Verify fire watch arrangements and ventilation in confined spaces.
- Non-Conformance Reporting: Identify and document non-conforming welds and initiate corrective action requests. Follow up to ensure corrective measures are implemented effectively before work resumes.
- Project Handover Support: Support the commissioning team by providing complete welding documentation packages for system handover. Ensure that all quality close-out documents are ready for final client acceptance.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 12 years of welding inspection experience in heavy industrial or process plant environments.
- Valid CWI (AWS) or CSWIP 3.1/3.2 certification is mandatory.
- In-depth knowledge of ASME Section IX, ASME B31.3, and AWS D1.1 standards.
- Proven ability to read and interpret complex engineering and piping isometric drawings.
- Experience in coordinating with NDT technicians and interpreting their test results.
- Strong understanding of metallurgy and welding processes including SMAW, GTAW, and GMAW.
- Ability to work in a plant environment with adherence to strict safety protocols.
- Proficiency in maintaining detailed inspection records and quality documentation.
Preferred / Nice-to-have
- Experience in gold processing or hydrometallurgical plant construction.
- Additional NDT Level II certifications in VT, MT, or PT.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- Previous employment in the Saudi Arabian industrial or mining sector.
Success Metrics
- 100% of critical welds inspected and documented according to the quality plan.
- Zero release of non-conforming welds to subsequent construction stages.
- Weld repair rate maintained below the project target threshold.
- All welder certifications verified and tracked before work commencement.
- Complete and accurate weld maps delivered for all completed systems.
- Zero safety incidents related to welding inspection activities.
- Timely closure of all non-conformance reports within the agreed timeframe.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.