Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Also called: Industrial Radiographer, NDT Inspector (Non-Destructive Testing Inspector), Non-Destructive Evaluation Specialist (NDE Specialist), Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician (NDE Technician), Non-Destructive Tester

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Varies

estimated salary

Non-destructive testing specialists test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic, or related equipment.

  • Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
  • Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
  • Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
  • Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
  • Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
  • Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
  • Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
  • Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing trainees or staff.
  • Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
  • Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
  • Map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements.
  • Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.
  • Visually examine materials, structures, or components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws, using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed-circuit television systems, and fiber optics.
  • Identify defects in concrete or other building materials, using thermal or infrared testing.
  • Develop or use new non-destructive testing methods, such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing.
  • Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement.
Work Context
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 90% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 90% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 70% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 75% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 53% responded "Extremely important".
  • Contact With Others — 55% responded "Contact with others most of the time".
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 60% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
  • Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
  • Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
  • Devise research or testing protocols.
  • Document design or operational test results.
  • Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
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Knowledge

Education and Training
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing
  • Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Skills

Quality Control Analysis
  • Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning
  • Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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Abilities

Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA Hot Technology
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • SAP Hot Technology
Development environment software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW Hot Technology
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