Professional References Available Upon Request
Project Experience
From root pass to final inspection, ensuring compliance and integrity on mission-critical assets.
Supporting some of the Gulf of Mexico’s most technically demanding offshore projects.
Applying forensic methods to reduce long-term risk and prevent catastrophic failure.
Managing welding operations, quality oversight, and safety across multi-national fabrication yards and vessels.
Career Highlights
Advanced automated and mechanized welding expertise through progressive technical leadership roles in increasingly critical regulatory environments,
developing and qualifying automated GMAW, GTAW, and SAW procedures at Serimax for major operators including BP, Shell, and Petrobras. Applied this foundation to high-scrutiny post-Deepwater Horizon offshore projects while overseeing supplier qualification programs for Hess Tubular Bells and Deep Gulf Energy Kodiak. Demonstrated mastery of procedure development, inspection coordination, and quality oversight where automated welding systems were critical to achieving production rates while maintaining weld integrity under heightened regulatory oversight and technical requirements.
Served as technical liaison for welding and materials QA for multiple owner-operator projects,
including offshore equipment and subsea pipelines for Hess Tubular Bells and Deep Gulf Energy Kodiak. Led global supplier qualification and welding procedure development programs, ensuring compliance with ASME, AWS, API 1104 and DNV standards. Partnered with cross-functional teams to clarify contract obligations, resolve quality issues, and validate readiness for key manufacturing milestones. These efforts contributed to over $1.5M in contract revenue and demonstrated a sustained track record of delivering compliant, cost-effective solutions for complex materials applications in subsea and pressure service environments.
Co-authored a project-specific Reel-Lay CRA-Lined Pipe Girth Welding Specification
filling a critical gap in U.S. industry standards which later influenced updates to DNVGL-ST-F101. Collaborated across materials, welding, and QA teams to define mechanical testing protocols, ensure global supplier & consumable compliance, and reduce project risk through robust documentation and qualification oversight. These initial efforts became the model for subsequent deepwater CRA-lined pipeline projects, improving weld consistency, reducing unknowns in qualification turnaround time, and ensuring fit-for-purpose.
Why Jonathan L. Ridenour?
I am a Lead Welding & Metallurgical Engineer with 18+ years of experience providing technical leadership across energy infrastructure, offshore fabrication, and critical systems projects. Proven expertise in developing and qualifying welding procedures for subsea equipment, pressure systems, and high-reliability applications requiring ASME, AWS, API, and DNV compliance. Skilled in automated/mechanized welding systems, metallurgical failure analysis, and supplier qualification for carbon, stainless, alloy, and specialty materials including CRA-lined systems. Recognized for bridging operational gaps through hands-on fabrication support, mentoring technical teams, and implementing quality systems that elevate safety and performance. Experience supporting government facilities (DOE) and working within NQA-1 CGD frameworks. Passionate about advancing welding technology, developing next-generation engineers, and delivering mission-critical results.
I bring a unique combination of hands-on fabrication knowledge, engineering rigor, and business insight. From developing welding specifications for deepwater projects to conducting forensic investigations for litigation support, I’ve consistently delivered solutions that balance technical integrity with operational realities.
What I’m Looking For: Full-time roles in welding engineering, materials engineering, or quality leadership where I can apply my expertise in offshore, aerospace, nuclear, or heavy fabrication environments. I’m particularly interested in positions involving advanced welding processes, metallurgical problem-solving, and building quality systems that scale.
Location: Roscoe, Illinois | Open to relocation for the right opportunity