Lead Engineer/Lead Specialist - NDT

GE Vernova Inc; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated NDT Specialist to lead training and improve inspection processes. This role involves developing training materials, executing certifications, and enhancing quality compliance across manufacturing plants. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in engineering, particularly in quality assurance within blade manufacturing, and a passion for fostering a safety culture. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will drive significant improvements and innovations in non-destructive testing methods. Embrace the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Benefits

Professional development

Challenging careers

Competitive compensation

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing, especially in blade manufacturing.
• Certified in UT level 2 and advanced Phased Array methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead NDT training and certification programs for plant personnel.
• Drive improvements in inspection methods and processes.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and audit processes.

Skills

Quality Assurance

NDT Training

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Process Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

FMEA

Six Sigma

ISO 9001

Job description

Job Description Summary

Lead and execute improvement projects, NDT training and Certification, improving existing methods and develop and/or introduce new methods.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

Competency Development & Resource Adequacy:

• Act as safety ambassador and promotes safety culture and friendly environment.
• Develop training materials and samples to facilitate classroom and practical trainings.
• Plan, execute and monitor classroom and practical trainings for NDT level 1 and 2 certifications in the plant. Make sure plants are equipped with needed certified personnel to perform inspections.
• Maintain skill matrix of quality staff in plants as per LMWP competency model.
• Track the certification database and ensure only certified resources performing inspection in the plants.
• Improvement of internal or an alternate certification process to make it leaner and more effective.
• Consistently focus on improving competence level of NDT technicians which will allow high flexibility work force in the plants.

Measurement and Inspection Methods:

• Eliminate or reduce the variation between the NDT Specialists through periodic training and assessments.
• Develop FMEA and maintain for NDT processes.
• Own all inspection procedures and processes and maintain them up to date.
• Lead and support new development of NDT methods and tooling.
• Consistently improve or update the NDT process and methods.
• Focus on develop and implementation of Poka-Yoke solution in inspection and measurement processes.
• Execution and implementation of new inspection methods, Geometrical verification methods, new technologies and new AC after the completion of development from Engineering.
• Drive improvements in existing NDT methods and processes to make the processes lean and effective.
• Lead tactical projects to meet functional strategic plan.
• Own functional and departmental KPIs, monitor and improve performance consistently.

Quality Compliance

• Focus on demonstrating and creating Quality culture all the time and at all levels.
• Focus on Proactive approach in assuring process compliance before failure occurs.
• Plan and execute NDT process audits, NDT personnel review and periodic data as per defined frequency.
• Monitor inspection effectiveness, support RCA and CAPA closure with stakeholders.
• Drive improvements in the audit process to make it lean and effective.
• Follow up on audit findings closure.
• Bring improvement in BMS process and tools related to process audits.
• Lead and support Quality issues and Field complaints using 8D and Problem-solving principles.

Operational process and support:

• Demonstrate ONE TEAM mindset within and outside the team.
• Provide improved and matured processes to the plants that is easy to follow, accurate and reliable.
• Periodic training and evaluation of NDT resources within Central NDT and across manufacturing plants.
• Drive improvements towards improving scanning methods and obtaining better data quality.
• Support plant NDT resources towards eliminating rescanning (First Time Right scan).
• Govern and monitor KPIs defined within the function/team and secure performance level is sustained.
• Set base line for all NDT activities and analysis and strive improvements in tools and equipment that would make the NDT process more effective.
• Support technology projects, new product launch, Quality issue projects from technical standpoint.
• Tracking, monitoring, and improving performance of gauge R & R in plants.
• Assure effective implementation of calibration process in relevant inspection methods.
• Training and implementation of new AC.
• Monitor the permanence of process and optimize the inspection frequency based on SPC analysis.
• Conduct periodic MSA for the methods and users to reduce the variation.
• Develop VSM for NDT processes and improve the process consistently to make it lean and better.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent with experience in Quality domain.
• Minimum of 8 years of work experience in Manufacturing, preferably in blade manufacturing with UT inspections.

Desired Characteristics

• Minimum certified UT level 2 in conventional (B-Scan) and advanced Phased Array (PAUT) methods as per ASNT SNT-TC-1A. ASNT UT level 3 certification will be an added strength.
• Certified in IR inspection method.
• Experience with training/coaching and development of NDT methods will be added strength.
• International experience and cultural awareness covering Americas, Europe, India, and China.
• Knowledge of blade manufacturing is preferable, combined with explicit knowledge on Quality tools, Systems and Processes, Audits, Six Sigma, PFMEA, Control plans, PPAP.
• Strong English language skill (verbal and writing).
• Preferable to have an ISO 9001 Lead auditor certification and relevant audit experience.
• Flexible to travelling across LM/GE business units, customer site and Wind farms for executing training and operational support.
• A person with a quality mindset independent of Plant level responsibility and reporting.
• One Team mindset and team player.
• Willing to own processes and take responsibility and accountability.
• A person with self-motivation and encourages others to take responsibility.
• Communication: Effectively communicate beyond own area at all levels. Initiates or improves the way to communicate, facilitate, negotiate resulting in increased impact and commitment.
• Target important areas for innovation and evaluates multiple solutions beyond own areas.
• Open mindset, Quick adaption to the changes and Flexibility in travelling and supporting the plants and Wind farms.
• Challenge the status quo and out of box thinking.
• Quick, fact based and consistent in decision making.

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes