Head of NDT

X4 Engineering; Bayern; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car after 12–18 months

Senior role with influence

Automation-driven UT lab

Job summary

X4 Engineering seeks a Deputy Head of NDT to support the Bavarian site leader and take day-to-day technical ownership of the lab. You will act as Level 3, lead inspection and qualification across multiple aerospace projects, and shape lab growth with robotics-driven UT systems.

The role requires EN 4179 Level 2/3 UT certification, practical aerospace UT experience, Nadcap familiarity, and strong German/English communication. 80% lab-based with some customer-site visits.

Qualifications

• EN 4179 certification for UT Level 2 or 3 is required.
• Experience in aerospace UT inspections, service provider, or lab setting.
• Experience with qualification processes and Nadcap is desirable.
• Experience inspecting metallic and composite parts.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Good German and English (spoken and written).
• Eligible to work on aviation and defence projects in Germany.

Responsibilities

• Departs as deputy to the site leader and takes day-to-day responsibility for the NDT laboratory.
• Acts as Level 3 for the site: procedures, written practice, technique approval and personnel qualification.
• Performs and evaluates UT inspections (immersion, contact, phased array) on metallic and composite aerospace parts.
• Supports magnetic particle testing (MT) where required.
• Leads qualification processes including Nadcap and supports audits by EASA and customers.
• Manages around 10 customer projects in parallel, from start-ups to major OEMs.
• Collaborates with in-house development on robotic and automated UT inspection systems.
• Guides and supports inspectors in the lab.
• Occasional site visits; approx. 80% lab-based.

Skills

UT inspection

NDT expertise

German language

English language

Education

EN 4179 Certification – UT Level 2

EN 4179 Certification – UT Level 3

ISO 9712 Certification

Nadcap experience

Job description

Our client is a global NDT and inspection services provider with an aerospace-focused laboratory in Bavaria. They inspect metallic and composite parts for major aircraft and engine manufacturers. They also design and build their own robotic UT and immersion systems, so they can offer customers both the inspection equipment and the inspection service.

They are looking for a Deputy Head of NDT to support the site leader and take day-to-day technical ownership of the lab. This is a senior, hands-on role. You will act as Level 3 for the site, lead inspection and qualification work across several customer projects at once, and help shape how the lab grows.

The successful candidate will hold EN 4179 Level 2 or 3 certification in UT and have solid experience inspecting aerospace components. They will be comfortable running qualification processes, guiding inspectors and owning technical decisions.

Key responsibilities:

• Acting as deputy to the site leader and taking day-to-day responsibility for the NDT laboratory
• Acting as Level 3 for the site: procedures, written practice, technique approval and personnel qualification
• Performing and evaluating UT inspections, including immersion, contact and phased array, on metallic and composite aerospace parts
• Supporting magnetic particle testing (MT) where required
• Leading qualification processes, including Nadcap, and supporting EASA and customer audits
• Managing around 10 customer projects in parallel, from start-ups to major aerospace OEMs
• Working with the in-house development team on robotic and automated UT inspection systems
• Guiding and supporting inspectors in the lab
• Occasional visits to customer sites; around 80% of the role is lab-based

What they’re looking for:

• EN 4179 certification in UT at Level 2 or 3
• Practical UT experience in aerospace, ideally in a service provider, testing laboratory or manufacturing environment
• Experience with qualification processes and Nadcap
• Experience inspecting both metallic and composite parts
• Ability to manage several projects and priorities at once
• Good German and English (spoken and written)
• Eligibility to work on aviation and defence projects in Germany

Nice to have:

• ISO 9712 certification alongside EN 4179
• Exposure to robotic or automated inspection
• People or team leadership experience

What’s on offer:

• Competitive salary, reflecting your experience and certifications
• Company car, including private use, after 12-18 months
• A senior role with real influence, working alongside the site leader
• Work at the front of automated UT inspection in an international team
• Start date: January 2027

This role suits an experienced aerospace UT specialist who wants to step into a senior Level 3 role and help build a modern, automation-driven NDT lab.