NDE Engineer — Lead Advanced Inspection Tech

Keystone Distinction Group; Spring Grove (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group seeks an NDE Engineer in Illinois to support and advance inspection technologies across multiple manufacturing operations.

This role is ideal for an early-career engineer aiming to combine engineering, manufacturing, quality, and advanced NDT technologies in a hands-on environment. You will collaborate with Quality, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Production, and certified NDT personnel to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
• 0–5 years of 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

0-5 years experience

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Keystone Distinction Group seeks an NDE Engineer in Illinois to support and advance inspection technologies across multiple manufacturing operations.

This role is ideal for an early-career engineer aiming to combine engineering, manufacturing, quality, and advanced NDT technologies in a hands-on environment. You will collaborate with Quality, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Production, and certified NDT personnel to drive continuous improvement.