Director, Non-Destructive Evaluation

divergent; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 222,000 - 305,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

Bonus opportunities

Paid time off

Health and wellness benefits

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a senior NDE engineer to lead our NDE team and production inspection organization within the DAPS manufacturing system.

You will own the enterprise NDE strategy and technology roadmap across materials, processes, and product applications, and develop, validate, and qualify methods such as RT, CT, UT/PAUT, and PT.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of NDE, manufacturing, materials, or related engineering experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, or space.
• Active level III certification in RT, CT, UT/PAUT, or PT.
• Experience developing and qualifying NDE procedures and deploying them into production.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead both the NDE engineering team and production inspection organization.
• Own the enterprise NDE strategy and technology roadmap across multiple materials, manufacturing processes, and product applications.
• Lead development, validation, and qualification of methods including RT, CT, PT, UT/PAUT, and emerging inspection technologies.
• Establish standardized inspection workflows, training, certification, calibration, equipment controls, and technical governance.
• Develop novel NDE approaches suited to Divergent's fixtureless, adaptable DAPS manufacturing system.
• Integrate NDE equipment and inspection data into MES, traceability, automated disposition, and the broader DAPS digital thread.
• Serve as Divergent's senior NDE technical authority and collaborate with Materials, Design, Manufacturing, Production, Factory Development, and Quality.
• Support product development, process qualification, root-cause investigations, customer requirements, and acceptance-criteria development.

Skills

NDE engineering leadership

Production inspection operations

Systems integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related technical field

Tools

NDE equipment installation

Job description

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world's most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies.

Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Purpose

The Technology organization is the engine that creates DAPS, the 21st-century automated design and manufacturing platform accelerating advancements in aerospace & defense and high-volume automotive markets.

The Role

Build and lead both the NDE engineering team and production inspection organization.

Own the enterprise NDE strategy and technology roadmap across multiple materials, manufacturing processes, and product applications.

Lead development, validation, and qualification of methods including RT, CT, PT, UT/PAUT, and emerging inspection technologies.

Establish standardized inspection workflows, training, certification, calibration, equipment controls, and technical governance.

Develop novel NDE approaches suited to Divergent's fixtureless, adaptable DAPS manufacturing system, rather than simply replicating legacy inspection practices.

Integrate NDE equipment and inspection data into MES, traceability, automated disposition, and the broader DAPS digital thread.

Serve as Divergent's senior NDE technical authority and partner closely with Materials, Design, Manufacturing, Production, Factory Development, and Quality.

Support product development, process qualification, root-cause investigations, customer requirements, and acceptance-criteria development.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls.
• 10+ years of NDE, manufacturing, materials, or related engineering experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, or space.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience leading both NDE engineering and production inspection operations.
• Active level III certification in at least one of the following RT, CT, UT/PAUT, or PT.
• Experience developing and qualifying NDE procedures and deploying them into production.
• Experience specifying, procuring, installing, and qualifying NDE capital equipment.
• Demonstrated experience building teams and technical capabilities from the ground up.
• Strong engineering and operational background, with the ability to connect NDE results to materials, manufacturing processes, design requirements, and production performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with inspection of additive manufactured hardware, structural adhesive joints, or aerospace weldments.
• Current or past level III certification in multiple NDE methods.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace NDE standards, qualification requirements, and quality systems (AMS, ASTM, MIL, ...).

Pay Range

$222,130 - $305,430 USD

What We Offer:

• Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
• Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
• Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.

Equal Employment Opportunity Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified a