Fixed Equipment Integrity (FEI) Inspector

The Fixed Equipment Integrity (FEI) Inspector is responsible for safeguarding the mechanical integrity of refinery fixed assets through the planning, execution and reporting of statutory and risk-based inspections. The role ensures pressure equipment, piping systems, storage tanks, heat exchangers and associated fixed assets remain fit for purpose, compliant with legislative requirements, and capable of operating safely and reliably throughout their design life.
The incumbent performs inspections in accordance with recognised engineering standards, identifies equipment degradation mechanisms, evaluates equipment condition, and provides recommendations to maintain asset integrity and minimise the risk of loss of containment. The role is fundamental in protecting refinery personnel, assets, the environment and production through proactive inspection and defect management.

Operational Effectiveness

• Execute statutory and planned inspections on pressure vessels, piping systems, heat exchangers, storage tanks and other fixed equipment in accordance with refinery inspection programmes.

• Perform inspections in compliance with the Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER), Occupational Health and Safety Act, API standards and Astron Energy engineering requirements.

• Conduct external and internal inspections to determine equipment condition and mechanical integrity.

• Review Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) results and evaluate equipment condition.

• Identify corrosion, erosion, cracking, creep, fatigue and other degradation mechanisms affecting refinery equipment.

• Monitor corrosion rates and equipment deterioration trends and recommend mitigation strategies.

• Prepare detailed inspection reports, recommendations and repair scopes.

• Raise defects and follow through to completion to ensure mechanical integrity risks are effectively managed.

• Support Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) assessments by providing inspection findings and equipment condition data.

• Verify inspection work completed by contractors meets company quality standards.

• Participate in turnaround planning, scope development and inspection execution.

• Witness pressure testing, integrity testing and critical inspections where required.

• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations relating to equipment failures.

• Support Fitness-for-Service (API 579) assessments by providing inspection inputs.

• Maintain accurate inspection records within SAP and refinery Asset Integrity Management Systems.

• Participate in Management of Change (MOC) reviews where equipment modifications impact inspection requirements.

• Recommend repair, replacement or continued operation based on engineering judgement and inspection findings.

• Drive continuous improvement within inspection programmes and work practices.

People Management (individual contributer)

• Work collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, Reliability and Engineering teams.

• Share technical expertise with colleagues and contribute to developing junior inspectors.

• Support contractor management by monitoring inspection quality and compliance.

• Promote teamwork, accountability and a strong safety culture.

• Live the Astron Energy Values and Leadership DNA in all interactions.

Safety, Health, Environment and Quality:

• Demonstrate visible commitment to Zero Harm and refinery process safety.

• Ensure all inspections are conducted safely and in accordance with permit-to-work requirements.

• Comply with all SHEQ policies, OMS requirements and statutory legislation.

• Identify mechanical integrity risks that could impact process safety.

• Ensure all inspection activities comply with quality standards and recognised engineering practices.

• Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions where applicable.

• Support continuous improvement of Mechanical Integrity and Operational Management System (OMS) requirements.

• Ensure inspection activities minimise operational and environmental risk.

Stakeholder Relationship Management:

• Build effective working relationships with Operations, Maintenance and Engineering teams.

• Work closely with RBI Engineers, Reliability Engineers and Corrosion Engineers.

• Liaise with Approved Inspection Authorities (AIA) regarding statutory inspections.

• Coordinate inspection activities with specialist NDT contractors.

• Support Projects during commissioning and equipment acceptance inspections.

• Engage OEMs and technical specialists where specialist advice is required.

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

• National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or equivalent Engineering qualification (NQF 6/7).

• API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification (Essential).

• API 570 Piping Inspector Certification (Essential).

• API 653 Above Ground Storage Tank Inspector (Preferred).

• API 580 Risk-Based Inspection (Advantageous).

• NDT Level II certification advantageous.

• Knowledge of Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER).

• ECSA registration or working towards registration advantageous.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 5–8 years' experience in refinery, petrochemical or heavy industrial inspection.

• Extensive experience inspecting pressure vessels, piping systems, storage tanks and heat exchangers.

• Sound understanding of refinery degradation mechanisms and corrosion management.

• Experience working within Mechanical Integrity or Asset Integrity programmes.

• Experience supporting refinery shutdowns and major turnaround inspections.

• Experience interpreting NDT reports and corrosion monitoring data.

• Experience using SAP PM or equivalent maintenance management system.

• Experience participating in equipment failure investigations and Root Cause Analysis.

Application deadline:

02 August 2026