NDE Engineer: Advanced Inspections & Quality Impact

Gables Search Group; Spring Grove (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Gables Search Group is seeking a Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Engineer in Illinois to support and advance inspection technologies across manufacturing operations. This role blends engineering, quality, and NDT techniques in a hands-on environment.

You'll work with Quality, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Production, and certified NDT personnel to improve inspection processes, troubleshoot challenges, and drive continuous improvement through UT, MT, PT, and RT methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 0–5 years engineering experience through internships, co-ops, research, senior design projects, or manufacturing.
• Understanding of NDT methods including UT, MT, and PT.
• Ability to qualify under ASNT SNT-TC-1A or ISO 9712 certification programs.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• CAD experience; SolidWorks preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing or quality systems.
• Comfortable working in both engineering offices and manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Support and improve non‑destructive testing processes including Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle (MT), Liquid Penetrant (PT), and Radiographic Testing (RT).
• Develop and maintain NDT procedures, work instructions, inspection techniques, and ultrasonic reference standards.
• Troubleshoot inspection and manufacturing issues using structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis, Fishbone, and Lean principles.
• Evaluate and implement new inspection technologies including Phased Array UT, immersion systems, automation, and robotics.
• Design solutions to improve safety and ergonomics within NDT operations.
• Support equipment calibration, verification, documentation, and inspection readiness.
• Review customer specifications, engineering drawings, and acceptance criteria to determine appropriate inspection methods.
• Analyze inspection data and nonconformance trends to identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Provide technical support to Quality, Production, Engineering, Metallurgy, and NDT personnel.
• Assist with training and mentoring NDT technicians while supporting internal and customer quality audits.
• Participate in Lean, Six Sigma, 6S, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.

Skills

Strong analytical

Communication

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

Job description

Gables Search Group is seeking a Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Engineer in Illinois to support and advance inspection technologies across manufacturing operations. This role blends engineering, quality, and NDT techniques in a hands-on environment.

You'll work with Quality, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Production, and certified NDT personnel to improve inspection processes, troubleshoot challenges, and drive continuous improvement through UT, MT, PT, and RT methods.