Education and qualifications: 
MSc Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
BSc Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
CSWIP 3.2.2 Sr. Welding Inspector and RTFI from TWI, UK
CSWIP BGAS Gr. 2 Painting Inspector from TWI, UK
API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector from American Petroleum Institute
API 571 Corrosion and Materials Certification from American Petroleum Institute
Welding Specialist, Canadian Welding Bureau
QMS Lead Auditor ISO 9001:2015 by CQI, IRCA UK
Level 4: Subject Matter Expert (SME) ASME PCC-1 2019 by Hex Technology Texas, USA
Certified in Reporting with the GRI standards 2021 Update, Ernst & Young KSA
ASNT Level II (RT,UT, PT, MT)

Job title:
Quality Assurance/Quality Control Engineer

Employer:
Milaha, Qatar Navigation Q.P.S.C

What/who inspired you to become an engineer? 
I was inspired by my parents. My late mother,  an educationist, played a key role in shaping my priorities and interest in education. My father, who is also an engineer, motivated me to choose the engineering field as my career. He taught me that engineers play a key role in serving the nation by developing new products and technologies.

I am very thankful to my wife and my children for providing support and for the sacrifices they made for me so that I could complete the Chartered Engineer (CEng) certification. Throughout my professional career, I have met some incredible senior engineers, managers, and colleagues who have inspired me to pursue excellence by achieving internationally recognised certifications and developing various skills.

Please describe your role within the workplace. 
I am a lead Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Engineer in marine and offshore fabrication projects, which are structures that are situated at sea and a fair distance from shore. I am responsible for planning and executing various tasks related to QA/QC. Some of these include evaluations of technical tender reviews, inspection planning, Quality Management System Audits, Non-Destructive Testing reviews, monitoring qualification of welders and welding procedures, method statements and procedures reviews, inspection of structures, piping systems, marine vessel propulsion systems, marine vessel valves and pumps and the preparation of Project Quality Plans for marine and offshore fabrication projects. I am also involved in projects focused on upgrading infrastructure, machinery, and equipment.  

Having my bachelors and masters degrees, both in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, gives me an edge in my field as I can understand the composition of the materials, corrosion phenomena, weldability, non-destructive testing, and mechanical properties of the materials.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role? 
The most challenging aspect of my role is multi-tasking. I manage multiple marine and offshore fabrication projects simultaneously, in compliance with quality standards and safety requirements.  That said, I am well-positioned to face such challenges efficiently. I have received considerable appreciation from management, clients, and class surveyors for my proactive approach to achieving targets.

To ensure continuous improvement in the marine sector, I often analyse the feasibility of implementing new fabrication and welding technologies. At times, it’s challenging to balance work and research, but I can manage both well.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your role? 
The most enjoyable aspect of my role is providing professional upgrade support to my organisation and individuals, by providing technical training, qualifying new procedures, and introducing innovative concepts. I am working on new technologies, which not only improve quality but also enhance productivity and increase the remaining life of marine assets.

What is the biggest career highlight or achievement you’re most proud of? 
I have worked on large Engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning projects, such as High Voltage Direct Current Platforms, offshore jackets, SBM Buoys, Riser Platforms, wind farm jackets, and wind farm transition pieces related to renewable energy in the marine sector. I have also worked on some of the largest conversion projects like Floating, Storage and Offloading, Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading, and Floating, Storage, Regassification Unit.

My experience in ship repair includes major repairs of ultra-large crude carrier, very large crude carrier and liquefied natural gas vessels, offshore drilling rigs, yachts, barges, harbour crafts, container vessels, construction support vessels, diving support vessels, fast supply intervention vessels, multipurpose support vessels, offshore petrol vessels, landing craft vessels as well as naval and coast guard vessels.

Why did you choose to become professionally registered? 
Becoming professionally registered with the highly reputed and renowned Engineering Council provides me with opportunities to connect with influential and inspirational people. Registration also provides international recognition of my professional competence and commitment and the CEng credential puts solid value on the years I have devoted to engineering.

When I became a CEng, it demonstrated to my employer and clients that I have had my competence independently assessed and my credentials verified. This gives me a great sense of credibility with my colleagues, clients, and class surveyors and earns respect from the wider industry. For me, it boosts my self-esteem and confidence and motivates me to achieve more in my professional career. I feel more confident after achieving this prestigious title. I am honoured that, based on my exceptional abilities, progressive career profile, impactful experience, and substantial merit, I have achieved the CEng title.

I would recommend professional registration because… 
Because you will be recognised as a competent engineer internationally. It will improve long-term earning potential and it will increase exposure to new career opportunities.

What career advice would you give to your younger self? 
My advice would be to achieve excellence as an engineer. Always look for continuous improvement and set small milestones every year for professional growth.

Do you participate in mentoring, volunteering, or membership of other engineering groups? 
Yes, I strongly believe that mentoring is a part of saying thank you to society which helped us in achieving our goals in life. I am a member of various groups, that help young professionals and engineers to learn new skills, and help them prepare for job interviews and the industry.  This includes support groups for Certification Scheme for Personnel certifications, National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, and Institution of Occupational Safety and Health certifications.

If relevant, please list three favourite projects you have worked on:

• Floating Production Storage Offloading AOKA MIZU: a refurbishment, life extension, and upgrade project for deployment at Shetland Isles, UK, and can process 30,000 barrels of oil per day and store over 600,000 barrels.
• BORWIN GAMMA High voltage direct current project: the fabrication of 900MW offshore platform, used for renewable energy at an offshore site in the German part of the North Sea.
• JOHAN CASTBERG Turret mooring system project; the fabrication of Turret Mooring system for Equinor’s new-build Johan Castberg for Barents Sea, offshore Northern Norway.