Summary
Nathan Busby is a Quality Consultant with 14+ years of experience in Quality Assurance and Quality Control on high-profile engineering projects for national and international companies. He has led inspection activities for subsea umbilical systems, flowlines, gas injection pipelines, line pipe coating, double jointing facilities, and fabrication projects. His experience covers welding, coating, NDE, electrical and hydraulic testing, fiber optic systems, pressure testing, loadout inspections, and quality documentation. Nathan has served as a Welding and Coating Subject Matter Expert and led quality inspector teams during nuclear generator refurbishment. He has supported major projects for Exxon, BP, DTE, Chevron, Maersk, TCO, and Florida Gas Transmission, inspecting critical equipment including pipelines, jumpers, spools, drilling risers, valves, and generator systems.
Education
| Bachelor of Science | Mechanical Engineering | University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL |
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Qualifications and Training
- NACE- Level 3
- Certified CWI- Certified Welding Inspector
- API- 1169 Pipeline Construction Inspector
- CWE- Certified Welding Educator
- API- 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
- MT- Level 2 to SNT-TC-1A
- ACCPVT- Level 2 Certified
- PT- Level 2 to SNT-TC-1A
- THUET- 5194 CA-EBS Conjunction Compressed Air
- SAFEGULF- Certification
- OSHA-511 General Industry Occupational Safety & Health Standards
- UT-Level 1 to SNT-TC-1A
Work Experience
Oct 2025 – Present
TPI AGENCY
Q/A Inspector
- Oversaw daily welding activities ensuring proper fit-up, alignment, and parameter control throughout production.
- Verified traceability of welding materials and consumables in accordance with project specifications.
- Conducted visual inspections on completed welds to confirm conformance to acceptance criteria.
- Coordinated with NDT technicians and welding supervisors to resolve nonconformities, verify repair weld integrity, and maintain continuous compliance.
- Attended daily safety meetings to confirm work scope, evaluate risks, and maintain a safe work environment.
Mar 2025 – Oct 2025
TPI AGENCY
Q/A Inspector
- Engaged in daily toolbox talks to promote safety awareness and align construction teams.
- Witnessed Electrical Factory Acceptance Tests, including OTDR, CR, and IR testing.
- Witnessed Hydraulic Factory Acceptance Testing, including tube verification and pressure testing.
- Verified and documented inspection equipment calibration before and during testing.
- Observed loadout inspections, ensuring proper handling, securement, and compliance with project specifications before offshore deployment.
Nov 2024 – Mar 2025
TPI AGENCY
Lead Q/A Inspector
- Monitored the coating application during flowline production, including FBE, CMPP, and IMPP.
- Reviewed project documentation to ensure compliance with NEC and client specifications.
- Inspected flowline for coating damage and monitored buoyancy installations during flowline deployment.
- Verified welds met WPS standards, including fit-up, pre-heat, and consumables requirements.
- Participated in daily safety meetings to outline work scopes and identify potential hazards.
- Audited and compiled quality inspector reports and NDE technician reports to ensure clarity and accuracy.
- Worked closely with the project team to address and resolve welding and coating challenges.
Jan 2023 – Nov 2024
TPI AGENCY
Q/A Inspector
- Served as a Welding and Coating Subject Matter Expert to oversee welding and coating repairs and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Witnessed welding processes to verify compliance with standards; conducted inspections, reviewed welder qualifications and equipment calibration, and assessed corrective actions for quality assurance.
- Observed coating applications to ensure compliance with required specifications; performed detailed inspections, evaluated application techniques, and implemented quality control measures to achieve optimal coating performance.
- Led and coordinated a team of quality inspectors in performing audits, examinations, and testing.
- Delivered independent, solutions-focused recommendations to resolve complex electrical and construction challenges while ensuring alignment with engineering specifications.
- Collaborated with engineering and production teams to resolve welding and coating-related issues.
- Witnessed high-voltage testing including Megger high-voltage insulation resistance, continuity resistance, and reverse high-potential tests, ensuring electrical integrity.
- Observed generator testing including vacuum decay and pressure tests, ensuring procedural compliance.
⚠ Review: employer replaced on AI judgment alone — verify agency status
Mar 2022 – Jan 2023
TPI AGENCY
Q/A Inspector
- Monitored Factory Acceptance Test activities, including attenuation, conductor resistance, and insulation resistance testing.
- Witnessed fiber optic termination splice and fusion followed by OTDR testing.
- Oversaw hydraulic EFAT activities, including tube correspondence, pressure, and flow rate testing.
- Inspected termination welds and ensured RT, PT, PMI, and ferrite tests were completed.
- Witnessed Factory Acceptance Test pigging prior to installing the Umbilical Termination Assembly.
Jul 2021 – Mar 2022
TPI AGENCY
Lead Q/A Inspector
- Observed electrical Factory Acceptance Testing and fiber optic Factory Acceptance Testing.
- Verified welders followed procedures correctly and used proper consumables.
- Oversaw NDE being performed while ensuring results were accurately recorded.
- Verified pressure and leak tests were performed safely and within test parameters.
Jan 2021 – Jul 2021
TPI AGENCY
Lead Q/A Inspector
- Observed continuity resistance and insulation resistance testing.
- Inspected flowline for coating damage and observed anode installation during spooling.
- Verified welds were compliant with the WPS, including fit-up, pre-heat, wire, and gas.
- Attended daily safety meetings ensuring a clear scope of work and assessment of hazards.
- Audited quality inspector and NDE technician reports for clarity and accuracy.
Feb 2018 – Jan 2021
TPI AGENCY
Lead Q/A Inspector
- Monitored welding and coating activities in the Double Joint Facility.
- Oversaw testing laboratory activities for DSC, CD, coating flexibility, Charpy, bend, and other tests.
- Collaborated with local inspectors in the coating facility to ensure the ITP was closely followed.
- Attended weekly meetings with the client to ensure a clear scope of work.
- Compiled and reviewed various inspection reports daily.
⚠ Review: employer replaced on AI judgment alone — verify agency status
Jul 2017 – Feb 2018
TPI AGENCY
Certified Welding Inspector
- Supervised excavation, welding, NDE, and coating.
- Maintained traceability on all welds and reviewed and submitted red line drawings to engineers.
- Observed stopples installation while ensuring proper procedures were followed.
- Observed hydrostatic testing on newly installed pipes and valves.
- Used holiday detectors to confirm coating integrity before pipe installation.
⚠ Review: employer replaced on AI judgment alone — verify agency status
Nov 2014 – Jul 2017
TPI AGENCY
Q/A Inspector
- Established and upheld continuous communication between contractor and client ensuring a clear scope of work.
- Performed inspections using multiple inspection tools including WFT, DFT, and replica tape.
- Coordinated with paint representatives to guarantee coating was correctly applied.
- Reviewed procedures involving valve attachments to ballast tanks while ensuring proper torque patterns were followed.
⚠ Review: employer replaced on AI judgment alone — verify agency status
Aug 2014 – Nov 2014
LLOG
Q/A Inspector
- Verified kit materials, welder qualifications, and welding consumables prior to fabrication.
- Witnessed dimensional verification of jumpers prior to fit-up and after welding.
- Inspected coating, insulation, and marking per project specifications.
- Monitored jumper lift and landing trials, confirming proper rigging and hub alignment.
- Oversaw Factory Acceptance Testing including continuity and pressure testing.
Jan 2014 – Aug 2014
Technip
Certified Welding Inspector
- Collaborated with other engineers in developing welding-procedure specifications.
- Maintained and monitored procedure qualification records.
- Inspected welds for discontinuities and defects.
- Used the Vermatt System to observe and document heat input.
Dec 2012 – Jan 2014
Akersolutions
Quality Control Inspector
- Observed fabrication and NDE inspections throughout product completion.
- Observed fit-up and all other welding activities followed by visual inspection.
- Verified that the umbilical met specifications during extrusion, including diameter and sheathing.
- Performed Factory Acceptance Testing on riser tools including the Bay Handling Tool, Telescopic Joint, and Spider.
- Verified that the umbilical was not damaged during transfer between carousels.
Jan 2012 – Dec 2012
Accufab
Quality Control Manager
- Maintained hold points set by the authorized inspector.
- Measured product dimensions to make sure they were within tolerance.
- Scheduled third-party NDE technicians to fulfill required inspections.
- Confirmed all welders were qualified and all equipment was calibrated.
Jul 2010 – Jan 2012
Technip
Certified Welding Inspector
- Supported engineers in developing welding-procedure specifications.
- Maintained and monitored procedure qualification records.
- Inspected welds for discontinuities and defects.
- Used the Vermatt System to observe and document heat input.
Apr 2008 – Jul 2010
PSL
Quality Control Inspector
- Examined coatings for defects or other imperfections.
- Verified that gauss and cutbacks were within the specified range.
- Reviewed final documentation and ensured each product had proper traceability.
- Coordinated with client representatives to ensure the pipe met the required specification.
Projects
OCT 2025 – PRESENT
Client: Exxon
Exxon Whiptail-Uaru Project
Vendor: Saipem Castorone
Product: Gas Injection Pipeline
Position: Q/A Inspector
Location: Guyana
- Oversaw daily welding activities, including fit-up, alignment, and parameter control throughout production.
- Verified traceability of welding materials and consumables in accordance with project specifications.
- Conducted visual inspections on completed welds to confirm conformance to acceptance criteria.
- Coordinated with NDT technicians and welding supervisors to resolve nonconformities and verify repair weld integrity.
- Attended daily safety meetings to confirm work scope, evaluate risks, and maintain a safe work environment.
MAR 2025 – OCT 2025
Client: Exxon
Exxon Yellowtail Project
Product: Subsea Umbilical System
Position: Q/A Inspector
Location: Mobile, AL
- Engaged in daily toolbox talks to promote safety awareness and align construction teams.
- Witnessed electrical Factory Acceptance Tests, including OTDR, CR, and IR testing.
- Witnessed hydraulic Factory Acceptance Testing, including tube verification and pressure testing.
- Verified and documented inspection equipment calibration before and during testing.
- Observed loadout inspections, ensuring proper handling, securement, and compliance with project specifications before offshore deployment.
NOV 2024 – MAR 2025
Client: BP
BP ARGOS Southwest Extension Project
Vendor: Deep Blue
Product: Flowline
Standards: NEC
Position: Lead Q/A Inspector
Location: Gulf of Mexico
- Monitored coating application during flowline production, including FBE, CMPP, and IMPP.
- Reviewed project documentation for compliance with NEC and client specifications.
- Inspected flowline for coating damage and monitored buoyancy installations during flowline deployment.
- Verified welds against WPS requirements, including fit-up, pre-heat, and consumables requirements.
- Participated in daily safety meetings to outline work scopes and identify potential hazards.
- Audited and compiled quality inspector and NDE technician reports to ensure clarity and accuracy.
- Worked with the project team to address and resolve welding and coating challenges.
JAN 2023 – NOV 2024
Client: DTE Fermi 2
DTE Fermi 2 Nuclear Generator Refurbishment
Product: Nuclear Generator
Position: Q/A Inspector
Location: Schenectady, NY
- Served as a Welding and Coating Subject Matter Expert to oversee welding and coating repairs and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Witnessed welding processes, reviewed welder qualifications and equipment calibration, assessed corrective actions, and conducted inspections for quality assurance.
- Observed coating applications, evaluated application techniques, and implemented quality control measures to achieve coating performance requirements.
- Led and coordinated a team of quality inspectors performing audits, examinations, and testing.
- Delivered independent, solutions-focused recommendations to resolve complex electrical and construction challenges in alignment with engineering specifications.
- Collaborated with engineering and production teams to resolve welding and coating-related issues.
- Witnessed high-voltage testing, including Megger high-voltage insulation resistance, continuity resistance, and reverse high-potential tests.
- Observed generator vacuum decay and pressure testing for procedural compliance.
MAR 2022 – JAN 2023
Client: Exxon
Exxon Payara Project
Product: Subsea Umbilical System
Position: Q/A Inspector
Location: Mobile, AL
- Monitored Factory Acceptance Testing, including attenuation, conductor resistance, and insulation resistance testing.
- Witnessed fiber optic termination splice and fusion followed by OTDR testing.
- Oversaw hydraulic EFAT activities, including tube correspondence, pressure, and flow rate testing.
- Inspected termination welds and ensured RT, PT, PMI, and ferrite tests were completed.
- Witnessed Factory Acceptance Test pigging before installation of the Umbilical Termination Assembly.
JUL 2021 – MAR 2022
Client: Adnoc
Adnoc Dalma Project
Product: Subsea Umbilical System
Position: Lead Q/A Inspector
Location: Mobile, AL
- Observed electrical Factory Acceptance Testing and fiber optic Factory Acceptance Testing.
- Verified that welders followed procedures correctly and used proper consumables.
- Oversaw NDE activities and ensured results were accurately recorded.
- Verified that pressure and leak tests were performed safely and within test parameters.
JAN 2021 – JUL 2021
Client: BP
BP Na Kika Manuel Project
Vendor: Seven Vega
Product: Electric Heat Traced Flowline
Position: Lead Q/A Inspector
Location: Gulf of Mexico
- Observed continuity resistance and insulation resistance testing.
- Inspected flowline for coating damage and observed anode installation during spooling.
- Verified weld compliance with WPS requirements, including fit-up, pre-heat, wire, and gas.
- Attended daily safety meetings to confirm the work scope and assess hazards.
- Audited quality inspector and NDE technician reports for clarity and accuracy.
FEB 2018 – JAN 2021
Client: TCO
TCO Project
Product: Line Pipe Coating Mill and Double Jointing Facility
Position: Lead Q/A Inspector
Location: Aktau, Kazakhstan
- Monitored welding and coating activities in the Double Joint Facility.
- Oversaw laboratory testing for DSC, CD, coating flexibility, Charpy, bend, and other tests.
- Collaborated with local inspectors in the coating facility to ensure the ITP was closely followed.
- Attended weekly client meetings to ensure a clear scope of work.
- Compiled and reviewed various inspection reports daily.
JUL 2017 – FEB 2018
Client: DTE
DTE Gas Pipeline Installation
Product: Gas Pipeline
Position: Certified Welding Inspector
Location: Muskegon, MI
- Supervised excavation, welding, NDE, and coating activities.
- Maintained traceability on all welds and reviewed and submitted red line drawings to engineers.
- Observed stopple installation while ensuring proper procedures were followed.
- Observed hydrostatic testing on newly installed pipes and valves.
- Used holiday detectors to confirm coating integrity before pipe installation.
NOV 2014 – JUL 2017
Client: Ocean Evolution
Ocean Evolution Project
Product: ROV Vessel
Position: Q/A Inspector
Location: Mobile, AL
- Established and maintained continuous communication between contractor and client to ensure a clear scope of work.
- Performed inspections using WFT, DFT, replica tape, and other inspection tools.
- Coordinated with paint representatives to ensure coating was correctly applied.
- Reviewed procedures involving valve attachments to ballast tanks and ensured proper torque patterns were followed.
AUG 2014 – NOV 2014
Client: LLOG
Delta House Project
Product: Jumper Fabrication
Position: Q/A Inspector
Location: Morgan City, LA
- Verified kit materials, welder qualifications, and welding consumables before fabrication.
- Witnessed dimensional verification of jumpers before fit-up and after welding.
- Inspected coating, insulation, and marking against project specifications.
- Monitored jumper lift and landing trials, confirming proper rigging and hub alignment.
- Oversaw Factory Acceptance Testing, including continuity and pressure testing.
JAN 2014 – AUG 2014
Client: Jack St. Malo
Jack St. Malo Project
Product: Spoolbase
Position: Certified Welding Inspector
Location: Theodore, AL
- Collaborated with engineers in developing welding-procedure specifications.
- Maintained and monitored procedure qualification records.
- Inspected welds for discontinuities and defects.
- Used the Vermatt System to observe and document heat input.
DEC 2012 – JAN 2014
Client: Maersk; Chevron
Maersk/Chevron Umbilical and Drilling Risers
Product: Umbilical and Drilling Risers
Position: Quality Control Inspector
Location: Mobile, AL
- Observed fabrication and NDE inspections throughout product completion.
- Observed fit-up and welding activities followed by visual inspection.
- Verified that the umbilical met specifications during extrusion, including diameter and sheathing.
- Performed Factory Acceptance Testing on riser tools, including the Bay Handling Tool, Telescopic Joint, and Spider.
- Verified that the umbilical was not damaged during transfer between carousels.
JAN 2012 – DEC 2012
Client: Chevron
Chevron Fabrication Shop
Product: Fabricated Products
Position: Quality Control Manager
Location: Moss Point, MS
- Maintained hold points established by the authorized inspector.
- Measured product dimensions to verify that they were within tolerance.
- Scheduled third-party NDE technicians to fulfill required inspections.
- Confirmed that all welders were qualified and all equipment was calibrated.
JUL 2010 – JAN 2012
Client: BP
BP Thunder Horse Project
Product: Spoolbase
Position: Certified Welding Inspector
Location: Theodore, AL
- Supported engineers in developing welding-procedure specifications.
- Maintained and monitored procedure qualification records.
- Inspected welds for discontinuities and defects.
- Used the Vermatt System to observe and document heat input.
APR 2008 – JUL 2010
Client: Florida Gas Transmission
Florida Gas Transmission Spiral Pipe Mill
Product: Spiral Pipe
Position: Quality Control Inspector
Location: Bay St. Louis, MS
- Examined coatings for defects and other imperfections.
- Verified that gauss and cutbacks were within the specified range.
- Reviewed final documentation and ensured that each product had proper traceability.
- Coordinated with client representatives to ensure that the pipe met the required specification.
Skills
- Quality Assurance / Quality Control
- Welding Inspection
- Coating Inspection
- Pipeline Inspection
- Subsea Umbilical Inspection
- NDE Coordination
- QA/QC Team Leadership
- Documentation Review
- ITP Compliance
- Traceability Control
- Nonconformance Resolution
- Electrical and Hydraulic Inspection
- Vendor and Client Coordination
Commodities
- Gas Injection Pipelines
- Flowlines
- Subsea Umbilical Systems
- Line Pipe
- Pipelines
- Nuclear Generators
- Jumpers
- Spools
- ROV Vessels
- Drilling Risers
- Valves
- Coatings
- Welding Consumables
- Fiber Optic Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Hydraulic Systems
- Fabricated Products