Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Technician III

Employment Type: Direct Hire
Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday–Thursday, 5:00 AM–3:30 PM (Four 10-hour shifts)
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required
Certification: NDT certifications and documented training/experience hours required

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Technician III to perform advanced nondestructive inspections on a variety of sheet metal aircraft components.

This position requires strong technical expertise in radiographic testing, digital X-ray inspection, and fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI). The selected candidate will inspect complex aerospace components, interpret inspection results, develop and evaluate inspection techniques, and ensure compliance with customer specifications, engineering requirements, and established quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with X-ray and digital radiography systems, demonstrated proficiency in NDT inspection methods, and the ability to identify process deficiencies and implement effective corrective actions.

This senior-level technical position also involves supporting process improvements, auditing inspection procedures, collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams, and providing technical guidance to other NDT personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform advanced nondestructive testing on complex sheet metal aircraft components using radiographic testing, digital X-ray inspection, and fluorescent penetrant inspection methods.
• Inspect and evaluate complex or custom-manufactured components to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and customer quality requirements.
• Process components and interpret inspection findings in accordance with approved NDT procedures and applicable customer specifications.
• Follow established NDT technique sheets and ensure revisions comply with applicable technical and customer requirements.
• Create, evaluate, and approve inspection technique sheets for fluorescent penetrant inspection, radiographic testing, and digital X-ray inspection.
• Program, configure, and operate digital X-ray inspection systems.
• Analyze inspection results, identify discontinuities, and accurately document findings.
• Identify faulty manufacturing or inspection processes and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Verify that customer requirements are satisfied before implementing changes to inspection processes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of NDT methods and recommend improvements to inspection techniques, quality, and productivity.
• Conduct audits of NDT procedures, processes, and inspection activities to verify compliance with established requirements.
• Audit and evaluate the technical performance of personnel performing NDT functions.
• Provide inspection documentation and objective evidence to support customer reviews, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Measure and verify component dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and other precision inspection instruments.
• Interpret engineering drawings, manufacturing plans, sketches, schedules, and technical documentation.
• Maintain accurate inspection records, manufacturing documentation, production quantities, and electronic timekeeping entries.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering, Design Engineering, and Manufacturing personnel to resolve technical and quality concerns.
• Apply knowledge of welding, forming, and manufacturing processes to identify potential inspection challenges.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight to other NDT personnel as assigned.
• Follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
• Perform additional inspection and quality-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Current NDT certifications in fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), radiographic testing (RT), and digital X-ray inspection.
• Documented NDT training and on-the-job experience hours supporting applicable certifications and qualifications.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience performing X-ray and digital radiographic inspections.
• Experience inspecting complex aerospace components or precision-manufactured metal parts.
• Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret NDT inspection techniques and procedures.
• Experience operating and programming digital X-ray inspection systems.
• Ability to interpret radiographic inspection results and identify defects or discontinuities.
• Ability to read and understand engineering blueprints, manufacturing plans, sketches, and technical specifications.
• Basic knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of shop mathematics and precision measurement techniques.
• Experience using calipers, micrometers, and other inspection instruments.
• Understanding of NDT quality requirements, inspection documentation, and applicable customer specifications.
• Ability to identify process deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to inspect complex or custom-manufactured components across multiple NDT methods.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical findings effectively with engineering, quality, and manufacturing personnel.
• Ability to follow established safety standards and inspection procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience with digital radiography and digital X-ray system programming.
• Experience developing and approving NDT technique sheets.
• Previous experience inspecting aerospace sheet metal components.
• Experience conducting NDT process audits and evaluating inspection personnel.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes, including welding and metal forming.
• Experience supporting customer quality audits and technical compliance reviews.
• Experience providing technical oversight or mentoring other NDT technicians.
• Demonstrated success improving NDT inspection efficiency, quality, and productivity.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform physical activities involving frequent use of arms, hands, and legs.
• Ability to climb, balance, bend, reach, and move throughout the manufacturing environment.
• Ability to safely handle components and inspection equipment.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate NDT equipment and precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to perform detailed inspection activities requiring sustained concentration and visual attention.

Work Environment

• Aerospace manufacturing and nondestructive testing environment.
• Work involves inspection of aircraft sheet metal components and precision-manufactured parts.
• Regular operation of radiographic, digital X-ray, and fluorescent penetrant inspection equipment.
• Compliance with established radiation safety, manufacturing safety, and quality procedures.
• Required personal protective equipment may include safety glasses, face shields, hearing protection, respirators, and protective gloves.
• Regular interaction with engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance personnel.
• Four-day workweek, Monday through Thursday, 5:00 AM–3:30 PM.

Key Competencies

• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Digital X-ray inspection and system programming
• Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI)
• Advanced NDT inspection techniques
• Aerospace quality standards and compliance
• NDT technique development and evaluation
• Inspection documentation and reporting
• Blueprint interpretation and GD&T
• Precision measurement and dimensional inspection
• Process auditing and corrective action
• Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving
• Manufacturing process knowledge
• Communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Technical leadership and personnel guidance
• Safety awareness and accountability