What Do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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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.

Salary
$67640
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality
Interest Match



Job Description

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.

Job satisfaction

70%

How meaningful is this job

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.



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

Working hours

More than 40 hours per week

Working schedule

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.

Do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
35%


Once a week
30%


Do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists work outdoors?

Every day
35%


Once a week
30%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

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.



Learn more about Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

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