About This Career

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

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Manufacturing Production Process Development pathway.

A person in this career:

• Interprets or evaluates test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
• Interprets 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.
• Identifies defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
• Makes radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
• Prepares reports on non-destructive testing results.
• Selects, calibrates, or operates equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
• Visually examines 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.
• Examines structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
• Documents non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
• Produces images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
• Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel