Acoustic Emission (AE) Trainee / Assistant NDE Technician

Ropeworks; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

MISTRAS Group is seeking an Acoustic Emission Trainee / Assistant NDE Technician to assist a certified Level II NDE Technician with AE testing and structural health monitoring. The role emphasizes hands-on learning, safety, and adherence to ASTM/ASME standards while gaining field experience for formal certification.

The position requires a high school diploma, foundational NDE/NDT training, and a willingness to travel to various job sites, including international assignments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completed foundational NDE/NDT training or technical schooling.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with interest in electronics, physics, or data acquisition software.

Responsibilities

• Assist with setup, calibration, and tear-down of AE data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Place and secure AE sensors on structures (e.g., vessels, tanks, piping).
• Perform routine maintenance, pre-test calibrations, and upkeep of testing equipment.
• Assist with documentation, data logging, and drafting of technical reports.
• Adhere to safety policies, standards (ASTM, ASME), and procedures.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Reading technical documents

Data acquisition software

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Foundational NDE/NDT training or technical schooling

Tools

AE data acquisition systems

Job description

Acoustic Emission (AE) Trainee / Assistant NDE Technician

Job Category: Data Solutions

Requisition Number: PIPEL006497

• Posted : July 9, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Houston TX Onstream
7223 Empire Central Drive
Houston, TX 77040, USA

Houston TX Onstream
7223 Empire Central Drive
Houston, TX 77040, USA

MISTRAS Group is a global leader in technology-enabled asset protection, delivering advanced inspection, engineering, and data monitoring services to ensure the safety, compliance, and uptime of critical industrial infrastructure.

The Acoustic Emission (AE) Trainee / Assistant Technician will assist a certified Level II NDE Technician with designated Acoustic Emission testing and structural health monitoring activities while gaining the required field experience and technical knowledge for formal certification. We are seeking a detail-oriented individual with a formal educational background in Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and a strong technical mindset. The ideal candidate will be highly adaptable and enthusiastic about hands-on learning, particularly as it applies to mastering the Acoustic Emission (AE) inspection craft.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:

• Assist certified technicians with the setup, calibration, and tear-down of Acoustic Emission (AE) data acquisition systems and specialized instrumentation.
• Place, couple, and secure AE sensors on various structures (e.g., pressure vessels, storage tanks, and piping systems).
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance tasks, pre-test calibrations, and overall upkeep of testing equipment and facilities.
• Assist with proper documentation, data logging, and drafting of technical services reports.
• Learn, absorb, and strictly abide by company safety policies, industry standards (ASTM, ASME), and operating procedures.
• Monitor testing environments to identify and help mitigate background mechanical or electrical noise that could interfere with data collection.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completed foundational NDE/NDT training or technical schooling.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with an interest in electronics, physics, or data acquisition software.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of tasks and respond to short-notice work assignments, which requires occasional out-of-town and overnight travel.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with clients, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record.
• Ability to read technical documents, blueprints, and engineering specifications is preferred.
• Proven ability to follow precise technical directions and safety procedures.
• Proven ability to adapt to an ever-changing operational schedule.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Environment: Field duties require outdoor work in heavy industrial and plant environments. Working in plant and/or shop areas around production machinery with extreme noise levels.
• Mobility: Sufficient personal mobility to maneuver safely within a refinery or plant environment, including the ability to gain access to elevated platforms via ladders, scaffolding, and stairwells.
• Travel: May be at more than one job site on a daily basis, must tolerate changes in climate, and must be willing to travel out of town frequently / Must have or be willing to get a passport. International travel will be required for this position.
• PPE: Must be able to wear all required safety equipment (PPE) as dictated by the safety department for personal protection.
• Physical Strength: Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment.
• Sensory: Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, and vision (with or without reasonable accommodations) to communicate effectively, observe field testing conditions, and conduct structural investigations.

MISTRAS strives to provide a positive work environment that values excellence in safety and quality, free from discrimination and harassment. Every MISTRAS employee plays a part in our Company’s success and making this a great place to work. We are committed to a work place where all employees are free to raise issues, concerns and questions for the improvement of our operations and work environment. Safety is the overriding priority in everything we do; all duties critical to safety, quality, and environmental protection are carried out in compliance with all requirements and with personal accountability.

Note to Applicants:

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of the Company unless designated smoking areas have been established by a particular location in accordance with applicable state and local law.

Note to Rhode Island Applicants: The company is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, and is therefore covered by the states worker's compensation law.

Initial ( if applicable) Massachusetts Applicants: I understand that it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Initial ( if applicable): Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAPH OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.

Mistras Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled:

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.