SR. TECHNICIAN - TECHNICIAN - Nondestructive Testing Weld Inspection

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, is seeking a skilled inspector for hands-on inspections in various industries. This role involves conducting detailed visual tests of structural welds and nondestructive testing methods while ensuring safety and quality.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of structural weld inspection experience, familiarity with multiple NDT methods, and proficiency in communication and documentation. U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of structural weld inspection experience.
• Familiarity with multiple nondestructive testing methods is required.
• Able to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed visual tests (VT) of structural welds.
• Conduct nondestructive testing using methods like UT, MT, RT.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports that communicate findings.

Skills

Structural weld inspection

Nondestructive testing (UT, MT, PT, RT)

Reading engineering drawings

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in Nondestructive Testing or Engineering

Job description

Who We Are

The Sensor Systems and Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Technology team is comprised of engineers, scientists, and technicians who develop sensor systems and inspection methodologies and perform inspections to assess the serviceability of a variety of structures, from deep sea to deep space.

Objectives of this Role

• Perform hands‑on inspections of multiple large‑scale fabrication efforts for a variety of industries and application areas at Southwest Research Institute located in San Antonio, TX.
• Maintain safety and quality requirements by following relevant procedures, laws, regulations, and customer requirements.
• Manage the entire inspection process, including pre‑job setup, procedure reviews, equipment calibration, post‑job cleanup, and documentation.
• Assist with experimental setups, prototype inspections, and data collection for new sensor and NDE techniques.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities

• Perform detailed visual tests (VT) of structural welds to ensure conformance with relevant codes (AWS, ASME, ABS, etc.).
• Conduct nondestructive testing using methods such as Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Radiographic Testing (RT), and Penetrant Testing (PT).
• Identify weld defects or inconsistencies to maintain production quality and safety.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports that communicate findings clearly and accurately.
• Collaborate with welding, engineering, and inspection teams.
• Attain necessary qualifications for certification in multiple nondestructive inspection methods.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required or an Associate’s degree in Nondestructive Testing, Engineering, Physical Science, or Technology, or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of structural weld inspection experience.
• Certified Welding Inspector (AWS) strongly preferred; proficiency in welding strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in reading engineering drawings, welding procedure specifications (WPS), and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with multiple nondestructive testing methods (UT, MT, PT, RT, and/or ET) is required; current certifications at Level I or higher in one or more methods are preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Comfortable working with computers and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Capable of working both within a team and individually with minimal direct supervision.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (up to 10 %) in support of projects away from SwRI.
• A valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Special Requirements

• Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Location

San Antonio, Texas.