QA/QC Inspector – Piping

Project: Livorno Bioraffineria
Function: Mechanical Completion / Finalization Team
Role: Client Representative

Job Purpose

To support the Client during the finalization and mechanical completion phase of the Livorno Bioraffineria Project, ensuring that piping systems and associated installations executed by the EPC Contractor are completed, inspected, tested and documented in accordance with approved drawings, project specifications, applicable codes and contractual requirements.

The QA/QC Inspector – Piping will act on behalf of the Client to verify, challenge and ultimately recommend acceptance of completed works submitted by the EPC Contractor, with particular focus on mechanical completion, punch-list close-out and readiness for handover to commissioning.

Main Responsibilities

Act as the Client's representative for inspection and verification of piping works during mechanical completion and finalization.
Monitor and verify the EPC Contractor's completion activities and confirm compliance with project requirements.
Perform field inspections of piping systems and associated components prior to mechanical completion acceptance.
Review completed systems/subsystems against approved drawings, specifications, applicable codes and project quality requirements.
Participate in mechanical completion walkdowns jointly with the EPC Contractor and other Client/project disciplines.
Identify incomplete, defective or non-conforming works and ensure they are properly recorded through the project punch-list process.
Verify completion and closure of piping punch-list items prior to Client acceptance.
Review and verify piping completion and handover documentation submitted by the EPC Contractor.
Confirm that piping systems are ready for transfer from Construction/Mechanical Completion to Commissioning.

Key Activities

Carry out field inspections and mechanical completion walkdowns of piping systems.
Verify installed piping against approved P&IDs, isometric drawings, layouts, specifications and relevant project documentation.
Check piping installation, supports, valves, flanges, fittings and associated components for completeness and conformity.
Verify that required inspections and tests have been completed and appropriately documented.
Review piping test packages/test packs and associated completion records.
Verify hydrostatic/pneumatic testing records, where applicable, and confirm completion of required reinstatement activities.
Verify that outstanding construction items are correctly identified, categorized and entered into the punch-list system.
Follow up EPC Contractor corrective actions and physically verify punch-item closure.
Check system reinstatement and readiness following testing and completion activities.
Verify that temporary construction items are removed or appropriately controlled before handover.
Review relevant quality and mechanical completion records provided by the EPC Contractor, including inspection reports, test records, material documentation and applicable welding/NDT documentation.
Identify discrepancies between field installation and approved engineering documentation and coordinate their resolution with the relevant Client engineering discipline and EPC Contractor.
Participate in coordination and completion meetings with the Client, EPC Contractor and commissioning team.
Monitor progress of piping mechanical completion and highlight issues that may affect system handover or commissioning priorities.
Support the preparation and verification of mechanical completion certificates and associated completion dossiers.
Ensure that Client acceptance is provided only when physical works and required documentation satisfy the agreed completion criteria.
Support the Construction-to-Commissioning handover process and provide field assistance during commissioning preparation when required.

Interfaces

The position will work closely with the Client Construction and Mechanical Completion Team, Client Engineering and QA/QC functions, Commissioning Team, EPC Contractor construction/quality/completion personnel, and other disciplines including Mechanical, E&I, Civil and Process as required.

A key aspect of the position is maintaining an independent Client-side verification role: the EPC Contractor remains responsible for execution and quality control of its works, while the Inspector verifies compliance, completeness and acceptability on behalf of the Client.

Requirements

Technical Diploma or Engineering qualification in Mechanical, Piping or a related discipline.
Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience in piping construction, inspection, mechanical completion or QA/QC activities within refinery, petrochemical, oil & gas, energy or EPC projects.
Strong experience in site-based piping inspection and mechanical completion activities.
Previous experience working on behalf of an Owner/Client, PMC or EPC contractor during construction completion and handover phases.
Good knowledge of piping construction practices, P&IDs, piping isometrics and relevant technical documentation.
Good understanding of mechanical completion, system/subsystem handover, punch-list management and completion dossiers.
Familiarity with piping testing, reinstatement and handover processes.
Working knowledge of relevant piping codes and standards, including applicable ASME/API standards and project specifications.
Ability to identify construction deficiencies and assess whether completed works meet project acceptance criteria.
Experience interfacing with EPC contractors and multidisciplinary construction/commissioning teams.
Strong attention to detail, practical field judgment and ability to maintain an independent Client perspective when accepting completed work.
Good reporting, documentation and communication skills.
Italian and English working capability strongly preferred.

Preferred Experience

Experience on refinery, bio-refinery, petrochemical revamping or brownfield projects would be particularly valuable. Previous involvement in the final stages of construction, mechanical completion, system walkdowns, punch-list close-out and turnover to commissioning is strongly preferred.

QA/QC Inspector Piping