Head of Quality - Oil & Gas; Upstream

• Client: Prominent Regional Corporate Firm - Oil & Gas
• Employment type: Permanent role
• Location: Onsite in Dammam, KSA
• Experience level: 15+ years

The JV is being established to build a state-of-the-art Advanced Precision Machining and Remanufacturing Facility, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) mandates.

The initial and primary industry focus of the JV is the Oil & Gas – Upstream segment, including drilling, wellhead, pressure control, and production equipment components. The facility is being designed to meet API-driven and upstream qualification standards required by major EPCs and energy operators in the Kingdom.

The Head of Quality will be responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously improving the Quality Management System for an advanced CNC machining and API certified remanufacturing & repair facility serving the Middle East oil & gas sector. The role ensures full compliance with API, ISO, customer, and regulatory requirements while driving a strong quality culture across operations.

The role requires deep familiarity with Oil & Gas upstream customer qualification cycles, API standards, and high-integrity machining and remanufacturing of critical components.

• Lead the overall Quality function for machining, remanufacturing, repair, and service operations.
• Define and implement quality strategies aligned with API, ISO, and customer specific requirements.
• Act as Management Representative for Quality during audits and customer reviews.
• Build a strong quality culture focused on prevention, compliance, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance and certification maintenance for:
• API Q1 / API Q2
• ISO 9001
• Lead API audits, surveillance audits, and customer audits end-to-end.
• Ensure compliance with Saudi Aramco and regional regulatory requirements.

• Oversee quality assurance for:
• Advanced CNC machining (VMC, HMC, Turning, Multi-axis)
• Remanufacturing, refurbishment, and repair of oil & gas components
• Approve process controls, inspection plans, control plans, and quality gates.
• Ensure first article inspection (FAI), in-process inspection, and final inspection effectiveness.
• Review machining drawings, GD&T, specifications, and customer requirements.

• Ensure robust inspection and testing practices including:
• Dimensional inspection (CMM, gauges, precision tools)
• NDT coordination (UT, MPI, PT, RT as applicable)
• Material traceability and certification (MTCs)
• Maintain calibration systems and metrology compliance.

• Lead NCR, CAR, and CAPA processes.
• Drive root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone.
• Reduce internal and external rejection, rework, and customer complaints.
• Lead customer complaint resolution and technical clarifications.
• Establish and manage Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA).
• Qualify, audit, and monitor suppliers and subcontractors.
• Ensure material and outsourced process compliance to API and customer standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Quality certifications (Lead Auditor – ISO / API) preferred.
• 15+ years in Quality within Oil & Gas manufacturing / machining environment.
• Minimum 5–7 years in a leadership role managing quality teams.
• Strong experience with API Q1 / Q2 and API repair & remanufacturing.
• Proven exposure to advanced CNC machining operations.
• Middle East experience is highly preferred.

• API standards & Oil & Gas customer specifications
• CNC machining quality control & GD&T
• Root cause analysis & problem-solving tools