RBI Engineer (Risk-Based Inspection Engineer)

The RBI Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing and continuously improving the refinery's Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programme to maximise asset integrity, plant reliability and safe operations. The role applies API RBI methodologies to optimise inspection intervals, prioritise inspection activities based on risk, and ensure compliance with statutory, company and industry requirements.
The incumbent provides specialist engineering support to Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Projects by evaluating degradation mechanisms, assessing equipment risks and recommending inspection and mitigation strategies that reduce the likelihood of loss of containment, improve equipment availability and optimise lifecycle costs.

Operational Effectiveness

• Develop, implement and continuously improve the refinery's Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programme in accordance with API 580 and API 581.

• Perform risk assessments for pressure vessels, piping systems, tanks, heat exchangers and associated fixed equipment.

• Identify damage mechanisms affecting refinery equipment and determine suitable inspection strategies.

• Establish inspection intervals based on risk, equipment criticality and degradation rates.

• Review inspection findings and update RBI assessments following inspections, repairs, modifications or process changes.

• Support fitness-for-service assessments in accordance with API 579.

• Develop long-term inspection plans that maximise equipment reliability while optimising inspection costs.

• Analyse inspection data, corrosion trends and equipment history to identify emerging risks.

• Provide technical recommendations regarding repair, replacement and remaining equipment life.

• Participate in Management of Change (MOC), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Pre-Start-up Safety Reviews (PSSR).

• Support turnaround planning by identifying statutory inspections, high-risk equipment and inspection priorities.

• Provide engineering support during refinery shutdowns, commissioning and major maintenance activities.

• Investigate equipment failures and participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations.

• Monitor compliance with Mechanical Integrity and Asset Integrity Management Systems.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve refinery reliability and asset performance.

• Ensure refinery inspection programmes comply with statutory requirements and recognised international standards.

People Management

• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams to achieve refinery operational objectives.

• Provide specialist RBI guidance and coaching to Inspection, Maintenance and Operations personnel.

• Share technical knowledge and mentor junior engineers and inspectors where required.

• Promote a culture of safety, ownership, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Support contractor performance through technical oversight during inspection activities.

• Live the Astron Energy Values and Leadership DNA.

Safety, Health, Environment and Quality:

• Demonstrate visible commitment to Zero Harm.

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

• Steward Operational Management System (OMS) Element 3.2 and Mechanical Integrity requirements.

• Ensure inspection programmes support Process Safety Management and Major Accident Hazard prevention.

• Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions.

• Ensure all engineering recommendations minimise process safety risks.

• Promote safe work practices during inspection and maintenance activities.

Stakeholder Relationship Management:

• Develop strong working relationships with Operations, Maintenance, Projects and Asset Integrity teams.

• Partner with Corrosion Engineers, Inspection Engineers and Reliability Engineers to optimise equipment performance.

• Liaise with Approved Inspection Authorities (AIA), regulators and specialist consultants.

• Support procurement with technical evaluations for inspection contracts and specialist services.

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

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

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

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or Candidate Engineer advantageous.

• API 580 Risk-Based Inspection Certification (preferred).

• API 581 knowledge highly advantageous.

• API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector advantageous.

• API 570 Piping Inspector advantageous.

• API 653 Tank Inspector advantageous.

• Fitness-for-Service (API 579) knowledge advantageous.

• Knowledge of refinery pressure equipment regulations and statutory requirements.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 5–8 years' experience in Mechanical Integrity, Inspection Engineering or Asset Integrity within the oil and gas, petrochemical or refining industry.

• Proven experience implementing Risk-Based Inspection programmes.

• Strong understanding of refinery degradation mechanisms including corrosion, erosion, fatigue, creep, HTHA, SCC and corrosion under insulation.

• Experience working with fixed equipment inspection programmes.

• Experience supporting refinery shutdowns and major maintenance events.

• Experience conducting Root Cause Analysis investigations.

• Experience working with SAP PM or equivalent CMMS.

• Experience interpreting inspection data and corrosion monitoring programmes.

Application deadline:

30 July 2026