Lead QAQC Engineer - Mechanical & Process (Cleanroom)

Overview

This role demands leadership in quality assurance for mechanical piping fabrication and installation, primarily focusing on high purity and ultra-high purity (HP/UHP) process piping systems and cleanroom structures. It involves rigorous adherence to semiconductor-grade cleanliness criteria, expertise in welding techniques, and cleanroom protocols. The position acts as the principal quality liaison among general contractors, project management consultants, and specialized subcontractors.

Key Duties

• Ensure fabrication and installation standards compliance for HP/UHP piping systems—including UPW, CDA, nitrogen, specialty gases, and chemical distribution networks.
• Perform thorough pre-fabrication audits at pipe spool manufacturing facilities, confirming material traceability with ASTM-standard certifications.
• Supervise orbital welding practices, encompassing welder and operator certification, purging procedures, and borescope weld inspections.
• Review and authorize inspection and test plans (ITPs), welding procedure specifications (WPS/PQR), and record weld documentation for stainless steel 316L, PVDF, and other process pipe materials.
• Oversee pressure and leak testing like hydro/pneumatic pressure tests, helium leak detection, and perform particle count assessments aligned with flushing processes.
• Uphold strict cleanroom construction methods such as correct gowning, contamination prevention, handling, and surface protection measures.
• Track all non-conformance reports (NCRs) from detection through closure, analyzing recurring issues for systemic improvement.
• Collaborate with general contractors, PMC, process engineers, and move-in teams to coordinate key construction to move-in authorization (CMIA) milestones.

Technical Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of SEMI, ASME, IS, and AWS codes applicable to quality standards.
• Experience with orbital welding and manual GTAW techniques on fittings, flanges, and repair welds handled under monitored conditions.
• Proficient in executing and verifying purging and back-purging methods for stainless steel piping, including oxygen level monitoring.
• Skillful in weld coupon qualification and testing, including tensile, bend, and borescope inspections.
• Knowledge of thermoplastic welding techniques such as infrared fusion and socket fusion for PVDF and polypropylene pipes.
• Strong communication and coordination capabilities involving daily interactions with contractors, PMC, and third-party inspectors.
• Competent in producing detailed professional quality reports and presentation materials using Microsoft Excel (trackers, pivot tables, charts), PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to interpret process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), isometric drawings, and cleanroom layout plans accurately.
• Ability to quickly adopt proprietary commissioning and quality management software platforms used in project execution.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Process Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech).
• At least 10 years of quality assurance experience in process and mechanical construction, including a minimum of 3 years focused on HP/UHP or cleanroom systems.
• Experience working on semiconductor fabrication (FAB) construction projects with companies such as Micron, Intel, GlobalFoundries, Siltronics, pharmaceutical facilities adhering to ISPE/GMP standards, or advanced electronics manufacturing plants is preferred.
• Expertise in managing high-purity piping, specialty gas distribution, and installations sensitive to vibration.

Competencies

• Customer focus and empathy
• Adaptability and agility in dynamic work environments
• Effective team collaboration
• Forward-thinking mindset and readiness for future challenges
• Strong specialized knowledge in domain
• Innovation and pioneering spirit
• Goal-oriented approach with purposeful pursuit