Saikiran Potharam
Austin, TX 469-***-**** ********.**********@*****.*** Saikiran Potharam LinkedIn
Quality Management Professional
Quality Engineering Quality Management Leadership Continuous Improvement Process Optimization
Certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor with 12+ years of experience in quality management, internal auditing, and continuous improvement in oil & gas, EPC, and manufacturing. Proven expertise in planning, executing, and following up on internal audits, managing non-conformances, and driving corrective actions. Adept at collaborating with production, engineering, and cross-functional teams to uphold quality standards, ensure compliance, and support business objectives.
Areas of Expertise
Staff Management
Internal & external audits
Quality Inspections
Key Performance Indicators
ASME
ASNT
ASME / NBIC Joint Reviews
Quality Procurement
Team Building
Material Management
Root Cause Analysis
Lean Manufacturing Tools
Risk Assessments
DFMEA
Direct Air Capture (DAC)
Quality Control Management Practices
Project Management Best Practices
PQR, WPS, WPQ Development & Testing
Estimating
AWS
Quality Estimation & Bids
Material Testing
Quality Management Systems
Vendor Surveillance
Continuous Improvement
5S System
CE Conformity
Supplier Quality Engineer
EN 1090
API Q1, API Q2, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001
Data Management
Construction Management
Problem Resolution
Procurement
API
Quality Engineering
Non-Conformances
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor
3rd Party Inspections
Supplier Development
8D Methodology
Design for Quality (DfQ)
PFMEA
Machinery Directive
CO2 Removal + Storage Expertise
Specification/Code Proficiency
API 1104 * API 510 * API 570 * API 653 * API 620 * AWS D.1. Codes * ASME B31. Codes * ASME Sections II, III, V, VIII & IX, NACE/SSPC * ACI * ISO 12100 Risk Assessments and ISO / EN Specifications.
Certifications & Licenses
*CQI and *IRCA Certified QMS ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification CERT 24/US/1026311/43607
CSWIP-Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) No. 97369
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
ASNT Level II Certified NDE Inspector in RT, UT, MT, PT & VT
Work History
QUALITY CONTROL ENGINEER, Climeworks AG, Austin, United States 2024 – Present
Plan, execute, and follow up on internal audits for compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and company standards.
Document non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions in collaboration with production and engineering teams.
Review and maintain quality documentation, including inspection reports, ITPs, and audit records.
Support continuous improvement projects and 5S activities across manufacturing sites.
Communicate audit findings and quality issues to management, and support training on quality procedures.
Use SAP QM and ServiceNow for audit tracking, non-conformance management, and digital record-keeping.
Facilitated 8D root cause analysis workshops, implemented SOPs, and championed continuous improvement initiatives, including DFMEA and PFMEA for new product development and manufacturing processes.
Collaborated with global, cross-functional teams to enhance product design, process optimization, and cost-saving solutions, ensuring technical alignment and regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Led quality meetings, maintained robust documentation, and ensured adherence to quality management tools and best practices.
Developed and rolled out SOPs to streamline quality processes, and maintained strong supplier relationships through regular audits, technical reviews, and performance monitoring to ensure project success and supply chain excellence.
SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER, TechnipFMC, India 08 - 2019 TO 02 - 2023
Conducted process and product audits in fabrication and assembly areas for ISO and API compliance.
Documented and managed non-conformances, coordinated with production to identify root causes, and followed up on corrective actions.
Reviewed engineering BOMs and drawings, providing feedback to ensure quality standards.
Prepared technical reports, maintained audit documentation, and supported internal and external audits.
Led training sessions on audit readiness and quality best practices.
Oversaw development of project-specific Quality Plans, ITPs, and ensured conformance with welding codes (AWS, ASME, API).
Used SAP and ServiceNow for Quality Notification (QN) tracking, CAPA closure, and digital record maintenance—driving automation and reducing manual errors.
Supported cross-functional initiatives to align internal stakeholders on QMS improvements, system digitization, and risk mitigation strategies.
Contributed to the implementation and support of training programs related to QMS, audit readiness, and operational QA practices.
Maintained knowledge of API 6A, API Q1, NACE, and other international standards to ensure compliance across engineering and fabrication stages.
ASSISTANT MANAGER QUALITY, L&T, India 05 - 2018 TO 08 – 2019
Conducted and supervised inspections, ensuring strict adherence to established quality protocols.
Supervised inspections and audits, ensuring adherence to quality protocols and documentation standards.
Managed calibration and validation of measuring instruments.
Developed and implemented quality alerts, test plans, and process improvements.
Led the implementation and enhancement of quality management systems to align with industry standards.
Managed non-conformance evaluations, recommending corrective and preventive actions for quality improvements.
Oversaw NDT inspections, including RTFI, UT, MPT, and LPT, to verify weld quality and structural integrity.
Led calibration and validation of measuring and testing instruments to ensure precision in quality control.
Developed and implemented quality alerts and test plans to proactively address potential defects.
Coordinated and reviewed quality documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Provided training and guidance to quality personnel on best practices and inspection techniques.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve quality-related challenges and improve project execution.
Supported process audits and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall quality performance.
SENIOR QA/QC Engineer, Fabtech International LTD, Dubai, UAE 07 - 2013 TO 04 - 2018
Ensured strict compliance with project specifications, engineering standards, and client quality requirements.
Led quality audits, inspections, and documentation for structural steel fabrication.
Managed NCRs, coordinated with production and vendors for corrective actions.
Maintained data books, inspection records, and supported customer and third-party audits.
Developed and implemented QC procedures, ITPs, Welding Control Plans, and repair analysis strategies.
Served as the key liaison between clients and subcontractors to align quality expectations and project execution.
Led quality meetings and pre-inspection discussions, addressing critical QC concerns proactively.
Managed and resolved NCRs, ensuring effective corrective actions during fabrication and manufacturing stages.
Oversaw material testing, including tensile, bend, impact, and hardness tests, along with hydro testing of piping and vessels.
Reviewed and approved vendor quality documentation, ensuring adherence to contract specifications.
Supervised welding inspections, qualification of welders, and validation of WPS/PQR for project compliance.
Conducted Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and vendor inspections to ensure final product compliance.
Ensured quality control during piping fabrication, verifying compliance with P&ID and Isometric drawings
Education
ASME Section VII, Division 1 Seminar and Workshop - Bureau Veritas, Baton Rouge, LA
QMS ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification *CQI and *IRCA Certified – Bureau Veritas, Houston, TX
Certification in Welding for FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, & SMAW Processes – CSWIP 3.1
Construction Industry OSHA 30 Safety Certifications – 360 Training, Online Based Training
ASNT Level II Certified NDE Inspector
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
School – Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University.
End Year - 2013
Technical Systems
SAP, ServiceNow, Blue Beam Revu, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Navis Works, Solid Works, P6 Primavera, Oracle, Weld Office, Acorns Pipe, CX Alloy, Aconex, Qwiki, and M-Files.