NDT Technician
Also posted as NDE Technician; NDT Inspector; Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician; NDT Level II/III
An ndt technician uses nondestructive testing methods to inspect aircraft parts and structures for defects without damaging the component. It's hands-on work in aerospace inspection labs, MRO facilities, structures shops, and manufacturing quality departments, where technical instructions, safety procedures, troubleshooting, and accurate documentation all matter.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Select NDT methods
Choose or follow the required inspection method such as UT, RT, PT, MT, or ET based on the part and specification.
Set up inspection equipment
Prepare probes, reference standards, chemicals, films, meters, or other inspection equipment according to procedure.
Identify and characterize defects
Detect indications such as cracks, corrosion, porosity, delamination, or inclusions and compare them with acceptance criteria.
Write inspection reports
Record procedures, results, equipment, indications, and disposition details for quality and compliance records.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
NDT Methods Ut / Rt / Pt / Mt / Et
Applying ultrasonic, radiographic, penetrant, magnetic particle, or eddy-current methods as required.
Defect Characterization
Interpreting indications and distinguishing relevant defects from nonrelevant signals or surface conditions.
Inspection Equipment
Setting up, calibrating, and using NDT instruments, standards, and inspection aids correctly.
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