Senior NDE Inspector, Radiography

Relativity Space•Stennis Space Center, MS

6d•$35 - $53

About The Position

Relativity Space is hiring a Senior NDE Inspector to perform advanced Radiographic Testing (RT) inspections on complex ground support and aerospace hardware. The role uses film and digital/non-film radiographic techniques in cabinet, vault, and field environments. The inspector independently evaluates radiographic images and determines acceptance according to applicable drawings, specifications, procedures, and acceptance criteria. The inspector develops, documents, validates, and publishes part-specific radiographic techniques; troubleshoots inspection processes and equipment; and produces comprehensive inspection records and reports. The role also collaborates with RT specialists, NDE engineers, manufacturing, quality, and other technical stakeholders on inspection challenges, feasibility and Probability of Detection (POD) studies, qualification plans, and continuous improvement. The position provides technical guidance and mentorship to Level I and Level II NDE personnel and communicates results and concerns across stakeholder teams. Relativity Space’s Materials and NDE team develops, characterizes, and inspects materials and processes across the Terran R vehicle, spanning welding, additive manufacturing, and advanced composites. The team supports vehicle reliability, reuse, manufacturing, and operations.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant aerospace RT experience.
Formal NDE classroom training in Radiographic Testing and a current IRRSP or equivalent radiation-safety certification/card, as applicable.
Previous Level II certification in RT under NAS 410, SNT-TC-1A, or an equivalent industry standard, with verifiable training, experience, and certification records; supporting documentation must be available before the onsite interview.
Hands-on experience performing film radiography (CR) and/or digital radiography (DR) inspections on complex hardware.
Extensive, verifiable experience interpreting and evaluating radiographic images, including weld quality, discontinuity identification, image quality, and disposition against acceptance criteria.
Strong working knowledge of radiographic inspection principles and techniques, including exposure parameters, geometric unsharpness, IQIs, sensitivity, source-to-object/detector relationships, and image-quality requirements.
Experience performing radiographic inspections in cabinet, vault, and/or field environments and safely working with ionizing-radiation equipment.
Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, inspection plans, and acceptance criteria.
Ability to independently execute established RT techniques, document results, and produce clear, accurate inspection reports.
Strong computer skills and proficiency with workplace applications for inspection documentation, image review, data entry, and reporting.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted and stand or work in inspection environments for extended periods.
Ability and willingness to travel approximately 10–25%, as required.

Nice To Haves

Certification or experience in additional NDE methods such as PT, VT, UT, and/or ET.
Experience radiographically inspecting welded assemblies, castings, forgings, composite structures, and/or additively manufactured components.
Experience with conventional film, Computed Radiography (CR), and Digital Radiography (DR).
Experience developing, optimizing, or qualifying part-specific RT techniques and inspection procedures for complex geometries.
Experience with digital image processing, image-analysis software, and radiographic image enhancement/evaluation tools.
Working knowledge of aerospace and NDE standards and specifications, including NAS 410, ASTM, AWS, ASME, AMS, and customer-specific requirements, as applicable.
Experience collaborating with NDE Engineers and Level III personnel on feasibility studies, technique development, qualification activities, and POD studies.
Experience performing NDE on additively manufactured materials or components, including complex geometries and varying material densities.
Experience using CAD models and engineering drawings for inspection planning, technique development, and interpretation of complex hardware.
Experience interfacing with or auditing third-party NDE suppliers or vendors.
Experience with QA/QC systems, root-cause and corrective-action processes, and Lean Manufacturing or continuous-improvement principles.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced RT inspections on complex ground support and aerospace hardware using film and digital/non-film radiographic techniques in cabinet, vault, and field environments.
Collaborate with RT specialists, NDE engineers, manufacturing, quality, and other stakeholders to address inspection challenges and support feasibility studies, POD studies, and qualification plans.
Interpret and evaluate radiographic images for relevant indications and determine acceptance in accordance with applicable drawings, specifications, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
Develop, document, validate, and publish part-specific radiographic techniques for complex hardware and inspection configurations.
Apply applicable NDE procedures, inspection plans, techniques, codes, standards, and customer requirements.
Generate accurate and comprehensive inspection documentation and reports, including radiographic image-analysis results and inspection findings.
Troubleshoot RT processes and equipment, identify sources of image-quality degradation, and work with relevant teams to maintain reliable inspection capability.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Level I and Level II NDE personnel on technique execution, image interpretation, equipment operation, and inspection practices.
Communicate inspection results, technical concerns, and potential solutions to engineering, quality, manufacturing, and other stakeholders.
Support continuous improvement of RT processes to improve reliability, repeatability, throughput, and quality.