Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Memberships
References
Timeline
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Khalid ALABBAS

Technical Lead / Mechanical Integrity Engineer
As Sulaymaniyah

Summary

Highly skilled and certified Mechanical Integrity Engineer with over 13 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, specializing in onshore and offshore projects (Green Field and Brown Field). Proven expertise in inspection, integrity assessment, and corrosion management for static and rotating equipment, adhering to international standards (API, ASME, ASTM). Adept at leading teams, developing inspection plans, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Key Certifications:

  • API 510 (Pressure Vessel Inspector) | API 570 (Piping Inspector) | API 653 (Storage Tank Inspector)
  • CSWIP 3.2.2 (Senior Welding Inspector) | ASNT Level 2 (UT, MT, PT, RT, VT)
  • Certified Asset Integrity Professional (VT-2022-AIP-0258)

Core Competencies:

  • Equipment Integrity Assessment | Corrosion Monitoring & Failure Analysis
  • Welding & NDT Procedures | Inspection Test Plans (ITP) Development
  • Team Leadership & Project Management | Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving
  • Compliance with API, ASME, ASTM, and ISO Standards

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

API Inspector / Integrity Engineer

Freelacer
Iraq
07.2023 - Current
  • Prepared reports detailing findings of inspections, investigations, and tests.
  • Identified potential hazards and recommended corrective actions, ensuring a safer work environment for all employees.
  • Maintained up-to-date inspection and audit records for improved reporting and analysis.
  • Identified repair and upgrade requirements needed to meet safety and quality standards.
  • Effectively communicated with clients and management to ensure alignment on inspection objectives, requirements, and expectations.
  • Maintained accurate records of all inspections performed, allowing for more informed decision making regarding maintenance schedules and resource allocation.
  • Conducted API inspections for pressure vessels, boilers, heat exchangers, piping, and storage tanks, ensuring compliance with ASME/API standards.
  • Supervised NDT teams and interpreted results for condition evaluation, ensuring accurate documentation and recommendations for equipment repair/retirement.
  • Performed visual on-stream inspections and shop/overhaul inspections for valves, pressure relief valves, and piping systems.
  • Reviewed and approved welding documentation (WPS, PQR, WPQ) and ensured compliance with ASME Section IX.
  • Witnessed hydrostatic and pneumatic testing for pressure vessels, piping, and heat exchangers, ensuring safety and integrity.
  • Assisted in developing cost-effective solutions to engineering problems.
  • Led engineering teams to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.
  • Developed and implemented procedures to verify compliance with engineering standards.

Field Service Engineer

Solar Turbines Inc. A Caterpillar
07.2023 - Current
  • Installed, maintained, and troubleshooted gas turbine systems, including mechanical, electrical, and control components, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
  • Conducted preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs on turbo-machinery and package systems, adhering to safety protocols and Solar Specifications.
  • Scheduled service calls according to customer location and urgency of need.
  • Provided remote support for clients experiencing technical difficulties, resolving problems quickly and efficiently without the need for on-site visits.
  • Improved equipment reliability by conducting thorough field service repairs and maintenance tasks.
  • Utilized diagnostic tools, schematics, and technical diagrams to identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control system malfunctions.
  • Performed routine installations, adjustments, and calibrations of equipment, ensuring compliance with manufacturer specifications and operational requirements.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams, senior colleagues to develop solutions for complex technical issues, improving system efficiency and reducing downtime.
  • Provided on-site technical support to customers, including troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair services, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Conducted safety inspections and risk assessments, ensuring compliance with company, local, and federal safety regulations.
  • Documented maintenance activities, repairs, and equipment performance in detailed service reports, providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
  • Trained customers and field technicians on equipment operation, maintenance best practices, and safety procedures.
  • Utilized Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and digital tools to monitor and optimize system performance.
  • Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills by proactively identifying potential issues and implementing preventive measures to avoid equipment failures.
  • Managed maintenance activities, supervised staff, and inspected equipment.
  • Prepare detailed service reports, including findings, recommendations, and actions taken.
  • Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and equipment performance.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers by delivering high-quality service and support.
  • Address customer concerns and ensure satisfaction with Solar Turbines' products and services.
  • Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures while working on-site.
  • Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations related to gas turbine operations.
  • Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions to mitigate potential hazards.

Technical Lead / Mechanical Integrity Engineer

Bureau Veritas
05.2021 - 07.2023
  • Spearheaded NDT Capex and Opex services in Iraq, leading a team of inspectors and technicians.
  • Developed accurate inspection recommendations using equipment history and reliability tools, ensuring compliance with API codes.
  • Identified root causes of equipment failures and implemented solutions to eliminate recurring issues.
  • Reviewed engineering drawings and specifications to ensure alignment with industry codes and regulations.
  • Applied mechanical problem solving skills to develop creative solutions for quality products.
  • Managed non-conformance lists and ensured alignment of mechanical integrity decisions with EHS&S philosophy.
  • Provided technical expertise on inspection frequency, type, and requirements, positively influencing plant performance.
  • Coordinated with NDT teams across Iraq and UAE, ensuring smooth execution of inspection activities.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies and promoting continuous integration and deployment practices.


Key Projects:

Static Equipment /Project Quality Engineer

Basra Gas Company (Shell)
11.2019 - 05.2021
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by proactively addressing concerns and resolving issues in a timely manner.
  • Continually monitored project progress to ensure adherence to quality standards and specifications.
  • Implemented rigorous supplier audits to ensure adherence to established quality standards, reducing instances of non-compliance and fostering strong relationships with key suppliers.
  • Reviewed and applied QA/QC procedures, ensuring compliance with international codes and standards.
  • Conducted root cause analysis for non-conformances and implemented corrective actions.
  • Witnessed welding procedure qualifications (WPS, PQR, WPQ) and inspected materials (plates, pipes, fittings) for compliance.
  • Supervised hydrostatic and pneumatic testing for pressure vessels, piping, and storage tanks.
  • Ensured mechanical completion and handover of projects, including final walk-downs and punch-list closures.
  • Trained junior engineers on best practices in quality management, fostering a culture of excellence within the team.
  • Reviewed technical documentation for accuracy and completeness, enhancing overall product quality.

Plant Inspector

Bureau Veritas
04.2013 - 11.2019
  • Maintained compliance with industry regulations, ensuring proper documentation and record-keeping procedures were followed.
  • Participated in cross-functional teams tasked with troubleshooting complex plant issues, contributing valuable insights and recommendations.
  • Evaluated contractor work to ensure adherence to project specifications, timelines, and budgets while maintaining quality standards.
  • Managed a team of junior inspectors, providing guidance on inspection techniques and regulatory requirements.
  • Performed quality inspections and drafted reports to detail non-conforming material issues.
  • Improved customer satisfaction levels with timely resolution of non-conformance issues and effective corrective actions.
  • Developed inspection plans based on design specifications, ensuring all critical dimensions and performance criteria were verified throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Conducted fabrication inspections for pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and storage tanks in compliance with ASME codes.
  • Approved welding procedures (WPS, PQR) and monitored welder performance qualifications (WPQ).
  • Witnessed NDT activities (UT, MT, PT, RT) and reviewed test reports for final documentation.
  • Supervised hydrostatic and pneumatic testing for static equipment, ensuring compliance with project specifications.

Key Projects:

Inspection Engineer

Al-Rook Co.
02.2012 - 12.2012
  • Monitored team performance in conducting inspections, providing constructive feedback that led to continuous improvement efforts within the department.
  • Inspected incoming and outgoing materials for accuracy and quality.
  • Communicated with production team members about quality issues.
  • Reported repeated issues to supervisors and other departments, collaborating to identify issue roots and rectify problems.
  • Provided detailed reports on inspection findings, ensuring accurate documentation of all necessary information.
  • Supported quality control initiatives by thoroughly examining materials used in manufacturing processes.
  • Supervised the fabrication and erection of oil storage tanks and piping for the Karbala Power Plant (250 MW).
  • Conducted stage-wise inspections and ensured compliance with ASME and API standards.
  • Conducted NDT pre and final welded joints, PT, MT, and RT including RT film interpretation and evaluation.
  • Witnessed hydrostatic testing and ensured proper alignment and assembly of equipment.

QC Mechanical Engineer

Heavy Engineering Equipment State Co. (HEESCO)
08.2009 - 02.2012
  • Provided detailed feedback to design engineers for continuous improvement of mechanical components.
  • Conducted failure analysis investigations to determine root causes of mechanical failures, offering solutions for future prevention efforts.
  • Improved overall production efficiency by ensuring all components met strict tolerances before assembly line integration.
  • Monitored welding and fabrication activities for storage tanks, pressure vessels, and steam boilers.
  • Reviewed material certificates and conducted destructive and non-destructive tests.
  • Witnessed hydrostatic and pneumatic testing for static equipment.

Education

API 510–Pressure Vessel Inspector (No. 76413)

American Petroleum Institute
04.2001 -

API 570 - Piping Inspector (no. 74237)

American Petroleum Institute
04.2001 -

API 653 - Tanks Inspector (no. 56193)

American Petroleum Institute
04.2001 -

Certified Asset Integrity Professional Training

Velosi Training Institute
04.2001 -

ASNT NDT Level 2 (UT, MT, PT, R T & VT)

Trinity Institute of NDT Technologies
04.2001 -

Repair Inspector Course

The National Board of Boiler And Pressure Vessel
04.2001 -

Authorized Inspector Commission Course

The National Board of Boiler And Pressure Vessel
04.2001 -

Root Cause Analysis & 8D Problem Solving

ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018 Auditor Training

Microsoft Excel (Beginner To Advanced)

Turbotronic 5 Control System Operations

Solar Turbines

Turbine Package Familiarization

Solar Turbines

Rigging And Lifting

Solar Turbines

Package Operating Principles - Compressor

Solar Turbines

Package Operating Principles - Generator

Solar Turbines

Machinery Alignment

Solar Turbines

Lockout Tagout

Solar Turbines

Field Operations Core Safety - Technical GS

Solar Turbines

Field Operations Core Safety - Technical CS

Solar Turbines

Electrical Foundation

Solar Turbines

Small Bore Piping

Solar Turbines

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

University of Technology
Baghdad, Iraq
04.2001 -

Skills

Inspection reporting

Quality control

Report writing

Project management

Drawing interpretation

Standards: API 650, 653, 570, 510, ASME Section I, V, VIII, IX, ASTM, ISO

Software: Microsoft Office, QA Tools, Root Cause Analysis Software

Languages: Arabic (Native), English (Excellent)

Problem-solving abilities

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

Tool installation and alignment

Memberships

  • American Society for Quality (ASQ) – Membership No: 65332103
  • American Welding Society (AWS) – Membership No: 2024991
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) – Membership No: 000100652820
  • American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) – Membership No: 214290

References

Available upon request.

Timeline

API Inspector / Integrity Engineer

Freelacer
07.2023 - Current

Field Service Engineer

Solar Turbines Inc. A Caterpillar
07.2023 - Current

Technical Lead / Mechanical Integrity Engineer

Bureau Veritas
05.2021 - 07.2023

Static Equipment /Project Quality Engineer

Basra Gas Company (Shell)
11.2019 - 05.2021

Plant Inspector

Bureau Veritas
04.2013 - 11.2019

Inspection Engineer

Al-Rook Co.
02.2012 - 12.2012

QC Mechanical Engineer

Heavy Engineering Equipment State Co. (HEESCO)
08.2009 - 02.2012

API 510–Pressure Vessel Inspector (No. 76413)

American Petroleum Institute
04.2001 -

API 570 - Piping Inspector (no. 74237)

American Petroleum Institute
04.2001 -

API 653 - Tanks Inspector (no. 56193)

American Petroleum Institute
04.2001 -

Certified Asset Integrity Professional Training

Velosi Training Institute
04.2001 -

ASNT NDT Level 2 (UT, MT, PT, R T & VT)

Trinity Institute of NDT Technologies
04.2001 -

Repair Inspector Course

The National Board of Boiler And Pressure Vessel
04.2001 -

Authorized Inspector Commission Course

The National Board of Boiler And Pressure Vessel
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

University of Technology
04.2001 -

Root Cause Analysis & 8D Problem Solving

ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018 Auditor Training

Microsoft Excel (Beginner To Advanced)

Turbotronic 5 Control System Operations

Solar Turbines

Turbine Package Familiarization

Solar Turbines

Rigging And Lifting

Solar Turbines

Package Operating Principles - Compressor

Solar Turbines

Package Operating Principles - Generator

Solar Turbines

Machinery Alignment

Solar Turbines

Lockout Tagout

Solar Turbines

Field Operations Core Safety - Technical GS

Solar Turbines

Field Operations Core Safety - Technical CS

Solar Turbines

Electrical Foundation

Solar Turbines

Small Bore Piping

Solar Turbines
Khalid ALABBASTechnical Lead / Mechanical Integrity Engineer