What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nondestructive Testing Engineer position at First Search Inc.?
Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Engineer
Location: Illinois
A leading U.S. manufacturer of highly engineered forged components is seeking a Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Engineer to support and advance inspection technologies across multiple manufacturing operations. This is an outstanding opportunity for an early-career engineer who wants to combine engineering, manufacturing, quality, and advanced NDT technologies in a hands-on environment.
This role partners closely with Quality, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Production, and certified NDT personnel to improve inspection processes, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, introduce new technologies, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Support and improve non-destructive testing processes including Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle (MT), Liquid Penetrant (PT), and Radiographic Testing (RT)
- Develop and maintain NDT procedures, work instructions, inspection techniques, and ultrasonic reference standards
- Troubleshoot inspection and manufacturing issues using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis, Fishbone, and Lean principles
- Evaluate and implement new inspection technologies including Phased Array UT, immersion systems, automation, and robotics
- Design solutions to improve safety and ergonomics within NDT operations
- Support equipment calibration, verification, documentation, and inspection readiness
- Review customer specifications, engineering drawings, and acceptance criteria to determine appropriate inspection methods
- Analyze inspection data and nonconformance trends to identify opportunities for process improvements
- Provide technical support to Quality, Production, Engineering, Metallurgy, and NDT personnel
- Assist with training and mentoring NDT technicians while supporting internal and customer quality audits
- Participate in Lean, Six Sigma, 6S, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
- 0–5 years of engineering experience through internships, co-ops, research, senior design projects, or manufacturing
- Understanding of NDT methods including UT, MT, and PT
- Ability to qualify under ASNT SNT-TC-1A or ISO 9712 certification programs
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
- CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred)
- Strong analytical, communication, and technical writing skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing or quality systems
- Comfortable working in both engineering offices and manufacturing environments
Preferred Experience
- Hands-on experience with ultrasonic, magnetic particle, penetrant, or radiographic inspection
- ASNT Level II certification (or progress toward certification)
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen experience
- Metals, forging, steel, or heavy manufacturing experience
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems, inspection reporting software, or quality management systems
- Exposure to robotics or automated inspection systems
Additional Information
- Manufacturing and shop floor environment
- Up to 15% travel between facilities
- Opportunity to work with advanced inspection technologies in a world-class metals manufacturing operation
- Excellent opportunity for an engineer looking to build expertise in NDT, manufacturing engineering, and quality systems
Salary : $85,000 - $110,000