What if your dream job has been hiding right in front of you?
Nondestructive Testing (or NDT) jobs offer great pay, experience, and opportunity. Unfortunately, many people do not know the first thing about these jobs!
Wondering what NDT Jobs are and whether you would be a good fit? Keep reading to discover a rewarding career in nondestructive testing!
What Are NDT Jobs?
If we’re going to talk about NDT, then we need to start with the basic questions: what is NDT all about, and what kinds of jobs are available?
As we mentioned before, NDT is an acronym for Nondestructive Testing. This refers to quality control inspections that check for flaws and weaknesses without destroying the item being inspected.
While that description is simple enough, the actual NDT testing process can get complex. That is because it may
incorporate a variety of special technologies and techniques to properly check each item for flaws. These technologies include radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, eddy current, and visual inspection methods.
As an NDT technician you will be able to work in a diverse selection of industries such as, gas and oil, nuclear, aerospace, aviation, railroad, alternative energy, manufacturing, and more.
Why Are NDT Jobs Important?
Now you know more about what NDT is all about. But why are NDT Jobs so important?
The primary answer is that nondestructive testing testing allows companies manufacturing to inspect products throughout the manufacturing process. Specifically, they get quality products that only
come through an extensive quality control process. On top of that, they have a process that does not destroy or even damage the products being inspected. In an age where consumer reviews largely dictate the sales of a product, it is more important than ever to have an affordable way of conducting quality control inspections.
Nondestructive testing is also used for in service equipment to examine the part for wear and defects created by the equipment’s use, such as fatigue cracking, thermal fatigue, cyclical fatigue, and corrosion.
Specific Job Responsibilities
If you are reading this, chances are you’re interested in getting an NDT job. But what are the actual responsibilities attached to these jobs?
While there are many NDT Jobs available, most of them fall within these three categories: Level I, II, and III NDT technicians.
When you first start your career in the field, you will be an assistant technician. In this role, you will work with a certified level II technician and receive on the job training learning techniques from an experienced technician. Once you’ve received the proper amount of field experience you can become a level I or Level II technician yourself.
As a level III technician, you will be able to provide training, write procedures, certify other technicians to level I and II status.
The specifics of your job responsibilities may vary by industry. But generally speaking, a technician will have to set up and calibrate equipment, perform extensive testing of materials, interpret findings, and make reports to their supervisor.
How to Get the Skills You Need
Let’s say that you’re interested in landing an NDT job. But what specific skills and experience do you need?
Obviously, any specific experience you have with NDT processes and materials is a major plus. Beyond that, it all comes down to education and training.
You may pursue an associate degree in NDT testing. Alternatively, you can go through a specialized training program that gives you the certifications necessary to work within this industry.
Getting an NDT Job: The Next Step
Now you know all about NDT Jobs. But are you ready to step up and join the workforce?
At the American Institute of Nondestructive Testing, we offer NDT training courses for every level of
experience. To see how you can complete an entry-level curriculum in as little as seven months, contact us today!
