PU Chief Inspector in Galveston, Texas at Sullivan Environmental Services Inc

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 ResponsibilitiesMechanical 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 intervalsCorrosion Monitoring Locations (CMLs)Applicable damage mechanismsInspection Program Execution

Develop and maintain Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programs (API 580 / 581).Ensure execution of:Routine inspectionsOn-stream inspectionsTurnaround inspections

Maintain inspection plans aligned with corrosion circuits and process conditions.Regulatory and Code Compliance

Ensure refinery compliance with:OSHA PSMEPA RMPASME Section VIII / B31.3State and local jurisdictional requirements

Serve as the primary point of contact for:Regulatory auditsCompliance reviewsInspection authority interactionsFitness-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 rankingRemaining life analysisOperational 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 worklistsIdentify high-risk equipmentPrioritize 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 recordsComplete inspection historiesReliable corrosion rate calculations

Maintain auditable documentation for all MI activities.Damage Mechanism Identification

Maintain a living Damage Mechanism Review (DMR) for all units, including:CorrosionStress 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 contractorsInspection vendors

Enforce qualification requirements and quality standards.Ensure all inspection work complies with refinery specifications and applicable codes.

Required QualificationsCertifications (Mandatory)

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

Education

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

Experience

10+ years in refinery inspection or mechanical integrityDemonstrated leadership of inspection programs and teams

Core Competencies

Deep knowledge of API and ASME codesStrong judgment in balancing risk vs. operabilityData-driven inspection planning (RBI expertise)Ability to challenge operations when integrity risk existsHigh attention to documentation and audit readiness

Equal Employment OpportunityTIRCO 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 AccommodationReasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.