Subject Matter Expert – Bolting, Flange & Mechanical Joint Integrity

Programme Development & Technical Training SME

Role Purpose

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) will lead the design, development, and accreditation of advanced training programmes focused on controlled bolting, flange and clamp joint integrity, structural bolted connections, and associated machining activities.

The role ensures full alignment with ECITB standards, ASME PCC-1 guidelines, and relevant international industry codes, delivering world-class competency-based training frameworks for offshore, petrochemical, subsea, and heavy industrial applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop accredited training programmes in controlled bolting, flange management, and mechanical joint integrity.
• Align training content and competency frameworks with ECITB (SBT 01/02, MJI 10–18–19) and ASME PCC-1 requirements.
• Develop and standardise procedures, work instructions, and assessment criteria for bolted joint activities.
• Support the commissioning and setup of ECITB-compliant bolting rigs, workshops, and training environments.
• Lead accreditation processes, audits, and compliance submissions with ECITB, ASME, and related bodies.
• Provide technical expertise across field operations, training delivery, and competency assurance systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through incident review, root cause analysis, and lessons learned integration.

Required Experience – Essential

• Minimum 10+ years’ hands-on experience in controlled bolting within oil & gas, petrochemical, subsea, or heavy industrial environments.
• At least 5+ years’ experience designing and delivering ECITB or ASME PCC-1 accredited bolting training programmes (SBT 01/02, MJI 10–18–19 or equivalent).
• Proven experience commissioning and operating ECITB-compliant bolting training facilities, rigs, or workshops.
• Strong practical expertise in hand and hydraulic torqueing, hydraulic tensioning, and flange management on live plant operations.
• Experience with proprietary clamp connectors (e.g., Keelaring (KR), Grayloc, Vector or equivalent systems).
• Hands-on experience with structural bolted connections, including offshore structures, wind, and civil applications.
• Familiarity with machining activities supporting joint integrity, including pipe cutting, preparation, and flange facing (ID/OD).
• Demonstrated ability to author or significantly contribute to technical procedures, work instructions, or competency frameworks at organisational or industry level.
• Experience supporting or leading ECITB, ASME, or equivalent accreditation audits and submissions.

Required Experience – Desirable

• Experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis relating to bolted joint failures.
• International training or project delivery experience across multi-site and multi-cultural environments.
• Exposure to subsea systems, wellhead equipment, and high-pressure pipeline bolting applications.

Qualifications & Professional Accreditation

• ECITB Approved Instructor/Assessor – Bolted Joints (mandatory)
• ASME PCC-1 Appendix A Qualified Bolting Specialist (Minimum Skill Level 2; Level 3 preferred)
• Mechanical engineering background (HNC / HND / Degree or equivalent apprenticeship with extensive industry experience)
• Train-the-Trainer certification (desirable)
• TAQA / IOSH or equivalent safety and assessment qualification (advantageous)

Technical Knowledge Requirements

Working knowledge of relevant industry standards, including:

• ASME B16.5 / B16.47
• EN 1591
• API 6A
• ASME PCC-1