NDT Manager

GKN Aerospace Careers•Cromwell, CT

About The Position

As the NDT Supervisor, you will lead the Non-Destructive Testing department, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality for critical aerospace composite components. You will oversee a team of technicians, manage department workflows, and serve as the primary technical authority for Nadcap and NAS 410 compliance. This role combines high-level technical expertise in Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Radiography (RT) with the leadership skills necessary to maintain a world-class inspection program.

Requirements

NAS 410 Level 2 or 3 certification in Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and/or Radiographic Testing (RT) is preferred. If Level 2, the candidate must be on a clear path to Level 3.
Minimum of 5–7 years of NDT experience in the aerospace industry, preferred experience working with composite materials.
At least 2 years in a supervisory or lead technician role.
Deep, "hands-on" experience with Nadcap audit criteria (AC7114 series) and the NAS 410 standard for qualification and certification of personnel.
Strong understanding of aerospace composite manufacturing processes (e.g., layup, cure cycles, and bonding)is preferred.
Excellent communication skills, the ability to manage high-pressure deadlines, and a "quality-first" mindset.

Nice To Haves

experience working with composite materials
Strong understanding of aerospace composite manufacturing processes (e.g., layup, cure cycles, and bonding)

Responsibilities

Department Leadership: Supervise, schedule, and mentor a team of NDT technicians to ensure production targets are met while maintaining 100% compliance with safety and quality standards.
Compliance Authority: Act as the Point of Contact for all Nadcap audits and FAA/EASA regulatory reviews. Maintain the NDT Quality Manual and ensure the facility meets all NAS 410 requirements for personnel certification and training.
Quality & Training: Manage the internal certification program, including the facilitation of general, specific, and practical exams for NDT personnel. Track technician hours and ensure vision eye exams and annual performance reviews are current.
Process Improvement: Identify and implement advanced NDT technologies (e.g., Phased Array UT or Digital Radiography) to improve throughput and defect detection sensitivity in composite laminates.
Collaboration: Work closely with the Engineering and Quality Assurance departments to resolve non-conformance reports (NCRs) and assist in root cause analysis for manufacturing defects.