Department Manager, NDT

Element Materials Technology•Compton, CA

4d•$90,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

The NDT Department Manager is responsible for leading and growing the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) department in a fast-paced laboratory environment. This role provides operational, people, and business leadership to ensure inspection activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with aerospace, customer, and regulatory requirements. The position works in close partnership with the Level III to ensure technical compliance while driving high throughput, repeatable processes, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or higher preferred
Minimum 5 years of experience in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT); 7+ years preferred
Proven experience managing and scaling technical teams (5+ employees preferred)
Demonstrated experience recruiting, developing, and managing technical staff
Direct experience setting performance goals, conducting evaluations, and coaching employees
Strong understanding of Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies and quality systems
Ability to read and interpret test specifications, drawings, and technical documents
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills
Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends when required
Demonstrated commitment to safety and regulatory compliance

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a growing NDT team, managing 10+ technical employees including supervisors and technicians
Recruit, onboard, train, and retain qualified NDT personnel to support business growth
Set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching and corrective guidance
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-first culture
Oversee daily NDT laboratory operations to meet customer commitments, quality standards, and production targets
Demonstrate strong business acumen, with direct responsibility or involvement in departmental P&L, budgeting, and cost control preferred
Balance throughput, quality, and efficiency while maintaining compliant, repeatable processes
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce rework, improve turnaround time, and increase operational effectiveness
Partner closely with the Level III to ensure NDT methods, procedures, techniques, and certifications comply with applicable aerospace, customer, and regulatory requirements
Ensure all NDT activities are performed in accordance with Level III–approved procedures and written practices
Support the Responsible Level III in the development, review, and maintenance of NDT procedures and technical documentation
Interpret and apply test specifications, engineering drawings, and technical documents in coordination with the Responsible Level III
Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits and ensure timely closure of findings
Lead and support Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities to address nonconformances while maintaining high throughput
Promote and enforce a strong safety-first culture across all NDT operations
Serve as a critical operational point of contact for internal teams and customers
Communicate effectively to align priorities and resolve issues
Deliver professional customer service and timely resolution of technical or operational concerns