NDT Technician III - Penetrant (PT)

Blue Origin; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is building an NDT capability from the ground up, standing up new inspection processes and a full NDT program. You will establish procedures, validate techniques, and lead radiographic inspections on critical metallic and composite hardware.

As a Level III, you will own technique development, approve procedures, provide technical oversight, and mentor junior staff in a growing operations environment within Blue Origin.

Qualifications

• Current NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A Level III certification in Radiography and Liquid Penetrant.
• 4+ years in non-film radiography (DR or CR); 2+ years in Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection.
• Experience authoring, validating, and approving NDT procedures and techniques.
• Must pass RT and PT tests; state cert if applicable.
• Carded as an X-ray radiographer by a certifying entity (e.g., ASNT).
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics; proficient with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Establish a new NDT capability, including setup, commissioning, and qualification of inspection systems.
• Develop, author, validate, and approve NDT procedures and techniques.
• Perform Digital Radiographic (DRT) and Fluorescent Penetrant (PT) inspections on critical hardware.
• Establish and maintain examination techniques per safety and specification requirements.
• Interpret results and apply acceptance criteria per drawings/work orders.
• Provide technical direction, oversight, and mentoring to Level I/II personnel.
• Perform daily/weekly/monthly process control checks.
• Document and organize inspection results.
• Communicate results and technical recommendations to Engineers/Managers.
• Review and approve NDT procedures; support audits and certification activities.

Skills

ASNT NAS-410 Level III cert

Blueprint reading

MS Office

Education

NAS-410 / ASNT-TC-1A Level III in RT and PT

Tools

Digital Radiography

Computed Radiography

Robotic inspection systems

Job description

Application close date

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

Inspector – NDT III

Join Blue Origin Operations to help stand up a new NDT capability from the ground up. You'll establish inspection processes, author and validate procedures, and work with cutting-edge equipment. You'll primarily perform Radiographic (RT) inspection of critical metallic and/or composite hardware, plus Fluorescent Penetrant (PT) inspection of metallic hardware. As a Level III, you'll also own technique development, procedure approval, technical oversight, and the mentoring/qualifying of lower-level personnel. This role demands dedication to safe, repeatable operations and a passion for our mission.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Shape new inspection processes on a brand-new project.
• Own the procedures: Develop, validate, and approve NDT procedures from day one.
• Cutting-edge equipment: Operate and commission digital detector arrays, computed radiography, and automated/robotic systems.
• Grow your credentials: We support certification and training, including study materials.
• Multi-method development: Cross-train into Ultrasonics, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, and emerging methods.
• Clear career pathing: Advance into Lead and NDT Engineering roles.

Responsibilities

• Establish a new NDT capability, including setup, commissioning, and qualification of inspection systems.
• Develop, author, validate, and approve NDT procedures and techniques.
• Perform Digital Radiographic (DRT) and Fluorescent Penetrant (PT) inspections on critical hardware.
• Establish and maintain examination techniques per all safety and specification requirements.
• Interpret results and apply acceptance criteria per drawings/work orders.
• Provide technical direction, oversight, and mentoring to Level I/II personnel.
• Perform daily/weekly/monthly process control checks.
• Document and organize inspection results.
• Communicate results and technical recommendations to Engineers/Managers.
• Review and approve NDT procedures; support audits and certification activities.

Qualifications

• Current NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A Level III certification in Radiography and Liquid Penetrant (both required), with documented experience meeting NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A minimums.
• 4+ years in non-film radiography (DR or CR); 2+ years in Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection.
• Experience authoring, validating, and approving NDT procedures and techniques.
• Must pass RT and PT General and Specific Tests (General Test study materials provided if needed).
• Carded as an X-ray radiographer by a state or certifying entity (e.g., ASNT, IRRSP).
• Meet NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A minimum training in RT and PT; 40 hours Radiation Safety Training; Visual Weld experience.
• Meet vision requirements: Near vision 20/25 (Snellen) at 16\" or Jaeger No. 1 at not less than 12\"; color perception per 14-plate Ishihara (12+ panels correct).
• Familiar with ASTM E1742, E2445, E2698 (RT) and E1417 (PT).
• Experience operating, setting up, and calibrating NDT and radiation safety equipment; determining optimal inspection parameters; and analyzing data from metallic and composite structures.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics; proficient with MS Office.
• Experience in both lab and field environments; able to lift/transport parts and equipment per OSHA requirements.
• Ability to earn trust and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee/asylee.
• Desired Experience standing up new NDT capabilities, labs, or equipment in a startup environment.
• Experience commissioning and qualifying new NDT systems.
• Strong desire for Eddy Current experience; Advanced Phased Array training.
• 40 hours of Digital and/or Computed Radiography training.
• Ability to meet NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A training and certify in additional methods (Ultrasonics, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, Infrared, Terahertz, Laser Shearography).
• Knowledge of industry NDT standards.
• Aerospace production experience (1+ years) with automated/robotic inspection equipment.
• Prior experience training and qualifying NDT personnel.

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check Required for all positions

Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (