Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

What the job really is

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-3029
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
• Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
• Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
• Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
• Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
• 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.
• Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
• Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
• Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
• Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing trainees or staff.
• Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Acoustic emissions systems, Acoustic testers, Amp meters

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Automotive Engineering Technicians
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
• Robotics Technicians
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Non-Destructive Testing Specialists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.