NDT Inspector

Aptus Aero; South Carolina; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Air Repair is seeking a qualified NDT Level II Inspector to perform Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) and Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) on aircraft components at a FAA Part 145 repair station.

The role requires current NDT Level II PT and MT certifications, experience with aviation industry standards, and the ability to document findings with full traceability. Responsibilities include equipment setup, inspections, and QA audits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational NDT training preferred.
• Current NDT Level II certification for PT and MT per written practice.
• Experience in aviation/aerospace or FAA Part 145 repair station preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform FPI per ASTM E1417, AMS 2645 and customer/OEM specs with proper cleaning, penetrant, dwell time, and emulsion.
• Perform MPI per ASTM E1444, AMS 2641/AMS 2300 series, with correct magnetization and particle application.
• Interpret indications against acceptance criteria and make independent accept/reject determinations.
• Set up, calibrate, and verify NDT equipment and perform system checks.
• Complete inspection records and maintain traceability of inspected parts.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication skills

Reading engineering drawings

Quality documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

NDT training / vocational program

Tools

NDT equipment operation

Ultraviolet (black light) inspection

Job description

Position Summary

Southern Air Repair is seeking a qualified NDT Level II Inspector to perform Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) and Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) on aircraft components and assemblies in accordance with customer specifications, engineering drawings, and applicable industry standards. This position operates within an FAA-certificated Part 145 repair station and is responsible for accepting or rejecting parts based on inspection results, documenting findings, and supporting the repair station's continued airworthiness and quality system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) in accordance with ASTM E1417, AMS 2645, and applicable customer/OEM specifications, including part cleaning, penetrant application, dwell time control, emulsification/removal, developer application, and evaluation under black light.
• Perform Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) in accordance with ASTM E1444, AMS 2641/AMS 2300 series, and applicable customer/OEM specifications, including proper magnetization technique (longitudinal and circular), current selection, and particle application (wet fluorescent or dry, as specified).
• Select and apply the correct inspection method, technique, and process parameters based on the applicable engineering drawing, process specification, or work order.
• Interpret and evaluate indications against acceptance criteria; make accept/reject determinations independently, consistent with Level II authority.
• Set up, calibrate, and verify NDT equipment (black lights, magnetic particle units, UV radiometers, etc.) prior to use, and perform system/sensitivity checks per procedure.
• Complete and sign inspection records, discrepancy reports, and other quality documentation accurately and legibly, maintaining full traceability of parts inspected.
• Identify and document nonconforming material; initiate and support the repair station's nonconformance and corrective action process.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant NDT work area, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of penetrants, developers, magnetic particle media, and other chemicals per SDS and environmental requirements.
• Support internal, customer, and FAA audits by providing requested records and demonstrating compliance with written practices and approved procedures.
• May provide guidance to NDT Level I personnel and review their inspection results, consistent with the repair station's written practice.
• Adhere to all repair station Quality Manual, Repair Station Manual, and Inspection Procedures Manual requirements.
• Perform other related NDT or quality duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required; technical/vocational training in NDT preferred.
• Current NDT Level II certification in Penetrant Testing (PT) and Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), issued and documented in accordance with the employer's written practice, based on ASNT SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT CP-105, or NAS 410, as applicable.
• Prior experience performing Machine Shop experience, FPI and MPI in an aviation, aerospace, or FAA Part 145 repair station environment strongly preferred.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Valid NDT Level II certification (PT and MT) that is current and not expired, with documented vision examination (near vision and color contrast) on file per the applicable written practice.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain any repair station or customer-specific approvals required to perform inspections under this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of applicable NDT industry specifications (ASTM E1417, ASTM E1444, AMS 2645, AMS 2641) and the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work orders, and technical specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and sound judgment in making accept/reject decisions.
• Ability to accurately complete required inspection documentation, both handwritten and in a computerized maintenance/quality system.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively with quality, engineering, and production personnel.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while adhering to written procedures.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• No travel is required for this role.
• Near vision and color/contrast perception sufficient to detect fluorescent and visible indications, verified by an annual vision examination per the written practice.
• Ability to work in a darkened inspection booth under ultraviolet (black) light for extended periods.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and handle parts of varying size and weight for extended periods; ability to lift up to 35 lbs. as needed.
• Exposure to industrial chemicals, penetrants, developers, and magnetic particle media; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Work is performed in a repair station environment; may require flexibility in shift or overtime hours to meet production and customer delivery schedules.

Regulatory and Screening Requirements:

• Pass a pre-employment drug test and remain subject to random, reasonable-suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing in accordance with the company's FAA-mandated Anti-Drug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program (14 CFR Part 120 / 49 CFR Part 40).
• Successfully pass a pre-employment background check, consistent with company policy and applicable law.
• Be authorized to work in the United States; export control regulations applicable to the repair station's operations may impose additional citizenship or residency requirements for access to certain technical data.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Southern Air Repair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.