Feridoon Varjovi

Feridoon P. Varjovi

Pressure Equipment Expert

Tell us about yourself

I studied BSc Physics in Sharif University of Technology in Tehran. After several years working on oil and gas projects in different engineering roles from mechanical design to site management, I decided to continue studying Mechanical Engineering to support the experiences I gained with theoretical knowledge. I enrolled in City University London and graduated in 2011 with PGDip Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, I started working as an engineering inspector / auditor for several oil and gas companies. In 2019, I joined LRQA as senior engineering inspector / supervisor providing inspection and certification services for cylinder manufacturers in accordance with PED, TPED, DOT, and TC.

I have always had a passion for learning and gaining new experiences, which is why I joined TUV SUD’s Green Energy & Sustainability team in January 2024 as a pressure equipment expert in Hydrogen Industry Services. My role is a combination of using my existing skills and experiences in pressure equipment and learning and practicing new products or regulations on a daily basis, and this is what makes it interesting.

Why did you choose to join TÜV SÜD?

I was looking for a globally recognised company in the engineering and inspection field, especially in pressure equipment regulations, that would give me the opportunity to expand and use my knowledge and skills in this area. Choosing to work as a pressure equipment expert for TÜV SÜD with great resources and support from the management team and all my colleagues has proved that I made the right professional and personal decision.

Where do you work?

I work from home and from time to time I travel to clients’ sites for inspections, meetings, conferences, or company events.

What are your main areas of expertise?

I am a mechanical engineer who tries to analyse engineering process with physics concepts. I’ve gained skills in various pressure equipment regulations assessments and certification including Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED), US DoT, Transport Canada etc. I am also familiar with ASME BPVC Sec VIII assessment.

I am an appointed PED 2014/68/EC inspector/auditor for some European Notified Bodies like TÜV SÜD Italy.

What does your role involve?

My role begins when we receive an enquiry about pressure equipment from a client. The first step is to evaluate the request and define the project scope. I then work with the bidding team to prepare the quotation in accordance with the assessment and certification requirements.

Once the project agreement is in place, I am directly involved in the assessment and certification process of the pressure equipment or assembly accordance with the relevant procedures depending on the regulations.

What exciting developments have you seen at TÜV SÜD since you started?

I am learning about regulations and standards to support the variety of client enquiries that we receive on a daily basis. I am also enjoying consulting with the client to understand their requirements and propose the correct scope as it is not always clear for them which regulation applies to the product.

What future trends do you see developing in your area of work?

Understanding how existing regulations can be applied and adapted to new and emerging industry sectors like hydrogen and CCUS.

I’m particularly interested in developing resources for the pressure equipment regulations and standards training service.

What is your biggest challenge?

I find that the biggest challenge is being authorised for assessment and certification when providing services in different international regions with local regulations. Compliance of pressure equipment or an assembly can be a very challenging process as the regulations may change depending on the location and the complexity of the pressure equipment itself.

What do you see as the top perk of working for TÜV SÜD?

Friendly and supportive colleagues, and a good work-life balance. There are always opportunities to learn something new and progress in your career.

How have TÜV SÜD supported you?

Professionally, the management team always are available and supportive in providing the required resources and especially professional training. Generally, all TÜV SÜD teams that I’ve had the opportunity to work with have been very supportive and professional.

On a personal level, TÜV SÜD provides support in different areas like healthcare. The management team also are very supportive and caring about personal aspects.

Describe your fellow workers in five words

Friendly, knowledgeable, supportive, dedicated and reliable.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a role similar to yours?

If you are not afraid of learning on a daily basis and developing your knowledge and skills, do it.

Find out more about our clean energy services including hydrogen and our hydrogen safety training courses.