NDT Technician III - Penetrant (PT)

BLUE ORIGIN•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

Blue Origin Operations is establishing a new nondestructive testing (NDT) capability. The NDT Technician III will help set up and commission inspection systems, develop and approve procedures, and primarily perform digital radiographic inspection of critical metallic and/or composite hardware, along with fluorescent penetrant inspection of metallic hardware. The role provides technical oversight and direction, develops inspection techniques, and mentors and qualifies lower-level personnel. Work requires safe, repeatable operations and compliance with applicable specifications and safety requirements. The position operates in both laboratory and field environments and involves using NDT and radiation-safety equipment. The role may support audits, certification activities, and communication of inspection results and technical recommendations to engineers and managers. Blue Origin supports certification and training, offers opportunities to cross-train in other NDT methods, and describes potential career progression into Lead and NDT Engineering roles.

Requirements

Current NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A Level III certification in both Radiography and Liquid Penetrant, with documented experience meeting the applicable minimums.
At least 4 years of experience in non-film radiography (DR or CR).
At least 2 years of experience in Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection.
Experience authoring, validating, and approving NDT procedures and techniques.
Must pass RT and PT General and Specific Tests; General Test study materials are available if needed.
Must be carded as an X-ray radiographer by a state or certifying entity (e.g., ASNT or IRRSP).
Meet NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A minimum training in RT and PT, have 40 hours of Radiation Safety Training, and have Visual Weld experience.
Meet the stated vision requirements: near vision of 20/25 (Snellen) at 16 inches or Jaeger No. 1 at not less than 12 inches, and color perception of 12 or more correct panels on the 14-plate Ishihara test.
Familiarity with ASTM E1742, E2445, and E2698 for RT and E1417 for PT.
Experience operating, setting up, and calibrating NDT and radiation-safety equipment; determining optimal inspection parameters; and analyzing data from metallic and composite structures.
Ability to read blueprints and schematics and proficiency with MS Office.
Experience in both laboratory and field environments; ability to lift and transport parts and equipment in accordance with OSHA requirements.
Ability to earn trust and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee or asylee.

Nice To Haves

Experience establishing new NDT capabilities, laboratories, or equipment in a startup environment.
Experience commissioning and qualifying new NDT systems.
Eddy Current experience; Advanced Phased Array training.
40 hours of Digital and/or Computed Radiography training.
Ability to meet NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A training requirements and certify in additional methods such as Ultrasonics, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, Infrared, Terahertz, or Laser Shearography.
Knowledge of industry NDT standards.
At least 1 year of aerospace production experience with automated or robotic inspection equipment.
Prior experience training and qualifying NDT personnel.

Responsibilities

Establish a new NDT capability, including setup, commissioning, and qualification of inspection systems.
Develop, author, validate, and approve NDT procedures and techniques.
Perform Digital Radiographic (DRT) and Fluorescent Penetrant (PT) inspections on critical hardware.
Establish and maintain examination techniques in accordance with safety and specification requirements.
Interpret inspection results and apply acceptance criteria per drawings and work orders.
Provide technical direction, oversight, and mentoring to Level I/II personnel.
Perform daily, weekly, and monthly process control checks.
Document and organize inspection results.
Communicate results and technical recommendations to engineers and managers.
Review and approve NDT procedures and support audits and certification activities.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) with company match of up to 5%
Education Support Program
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year, based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for bonuses and other benefits; eligibility and amounts are not guaranteed.