Senior Engineer, Welding Procedures
Surrey, BC, CA
Branch: Gas
Affiliation: Management & Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time Regular
Expected Hiring Range: $122,300.00 to $143,800.00
Short-term Incentive Eligible: Yes
Workplace Flexibility: No
Posting End Date: Open until filled
As the province’s largest energy provider with more than 100 years of knowledge and experience, we proudly deliver renewable energy, natural gas, electricity and propane to 1.3 million customers.
We're actively seeking new talent to join our mission of delivering a stronger energy future in B.C. As one of BC's Top Employers with a diverse team of over 2,800 employees, we are committed to a safe and inclusive culture where each of us can connect, belong, and grow. Join us, and together, let's shape a brighter future for B.C.
Position Overview
The Senior Engineer, Welding Procedures is the technical authority for welding procedure and performance qualification for pipeline and pressure piping work. The role develops, qualifies, implements, and governs Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and welder/welding operator qualifications, ensuring full compliance with CSA Z662 and ASME Section IX. This position provides code interpretation, translates requirements into executable shop/field work packages, and partners with Engineering, Projects, Operations, and QA/QC to deliver safe, compliant, and repeatable welding outcomes.
In this role, you will:
- Develop, qualify, review, maintain, and continuously improve WPS, PQR, and supporting documentation for pipeline and pressure piping welds in accordance with CSA Z662 and ASME Section IX (including essential, supplementary essential, and nonessential variables).
- Provide welding code interpretation and technical disposition of welding-related queries, deviations, and nonconformances; author/approve engineering assessments and repair methodologies within the welding scope.
- Lead welder/welding operator performance qualification programs (WPQ), including qualification ranges/limits, continuity requirements, test planning, and record governance; review contractor qualification submittals for compliance and completeness.
- Own the welding procedure/qualification governance system (libraries, revision control, approvals, and audit-ready records) and ensure procedures are clearly implementable for both shop and field execution.
- Define, align, and support inspection and testing requirements associated with welding (NDE methods, acceptance criteria, hold points, and documentation) in coordination with QA/QC, NDT vendors, and field execution teams.
- Review construction/fabrication packages and contractor work plans for welding and NDE completeness, clarity, and code compliance; ensure welding/NDE requirements are embedded in ITPs and work instructions.
- Troubleshoot welding and fabrication issues (shop and field), perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective/preventive actions that improve quality, reduce rework, and strengthen procedural compliance.
- Provide operational support for emergent repairs, integrity-related work, and high-consequence activities by confirming the correct use of qualified procedures and qualified personnel, and by validating fit-for-service welding approaches.
- Liaise with regulators, third-party inspectors, and clients as required on welding procedure and qualification topics; support technical submissions, audits, and responses within your scope.
- Mentor and train engineers, technologists, inspectors, and operations staff on CSA Z662 and ASME Section IX procedure/performance qualification concepts, company welding standards, and practical field application.
- Stay current on welding processes, consumables, and code/standard updates; recommend improvements to company specifications, standards, and work practices.
What it takes:
- Bachelor’s degree in Welding, Mechanical, Metallurgical, or Materials Engineering (or equivalent).
- Registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with EGBC (or eligible for registration).
- Typically 8+ years of relevant experience in welding engineering, including pipeline and/or gas utility welding procedure development and qualification.
- Demonstrated, hands-on working knowledge of CSA Z662 and ASME Section IX as applied to WPS/PQR and welder/welding operator qualifications.
- Proven ability to interpret codes/standards and translate requirements into executable WPS, qualification programs, and field-ready work packages.
- Working knowledge of welding inspection/NDE practices and how they integrate with welding procedure requirements and construction execution.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to coach, influence, and build alignment across Engineering, Projects, Operations, and QA/QC.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work through ambiguity, and deliver high-quality technical outputs on schedule.
Preferred Knowledge and Expertise:
- Experience in a natural gas pipeline environment supporting both shop fabrication and field construction/repairs.
- Working knowledge of related codes/standards commonly encountered in facilities/pressure piping (e.g., ASME B31.3) and NDE standards (e.g., ASME Section V) where applicable.
- Welding credential such as Certified Welding Engineer (CWE), International Welding Engineer (IWE), or comparable certification.
- Exposure to CWB/CWBI or structural welding qualification frameworks where relevant to company assets.
- Experience engaging with regulators and supporting technical filings or compliance responses.
- Comfortable performing field/shop oversight, witnessing procedure/performance qualification tests, and partnering with construction teams to resolve welding issues.
Working Conditions:
- Combination of office-based work and field/shop visits as required to support projects and operations.
- May be required to provide support during emergent events and planned outages, including occasional after-hours availability.
- Travel within the service territory as needed.
Our engaging workplace offers a wide range of challenging opportunities, while being safe, inclusive, and diverse. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, while supporting life-long career development. We also encourage volunteerism and nourish the need to give back to your community.
To learn more about the recruitment process with FortisBC, please visit the You’re Applying. What now? page for additional information.
FortisBC acknowledges and respects Indigenous Peoples in Canada, on whose Traditional Territories we all live and work. FortisBC is committed to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and is guided by our Statement of Indigenous Principles.