Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
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Job Description
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment. They also interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
Other tasks include:
- Interpret 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.
- Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.
- Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing (NDT) of products or materials.
- Identify defects in solid materials using ultrasonic testing techniques.
- Prepare reports on non-destructive testing (NDT) results.
- Document non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, processes, or results.
We asked Non-Destructive Testing Specialists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.
70%
60%
70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 60% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.
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Typical Day At Work
On a daily basis, Non-Destructive Testing Specialists document non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, processes, or results. They select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing (NDT) of products or materials.
A typical day for a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist will also include:
- Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing (NDT) trainees or staff.
- Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
- Interpret 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.
- Identify defects in solid materials using ultrasonic testing techniques.
- Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
We asked some Non-Destructive Testing Specialists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.
Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? | 54% said yes | |
How important is it to work in a team in this job? | 32% said very important | |
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? | 75% said yes | |
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? | 14% said yes | |
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? | 4% said yes | |
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? | 57% said yes |
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Non-Destructive Testing Specialists also map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements. They may also identify defects in concrete or other building materials, using thermal or infrared testing.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement. They might also Visually examine 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.
In addition, they Identify defects in solid materials using ultrasonic testing techniques.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.
To some Non-Destructive Testing Specialists, it is also their responsibility to Interpret 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.
Working life
More than 40 hours per week
Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.
In a typical work week as a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.
Is this right for me
The Builders and The Thinkers
People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..
They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
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