UT Operator- ERW MILL

Borusan Pipe; Baytown, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Borusan Pipe in Baytown, TX is seeking an Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Operator to perform ultrasonic inspections on ERW pipes, ensuring weld seams and pipe bodies meet customer specifications.

You will calibrate and monitor UT equipment, follow approved procedures, record results, maintain calibration logs, and collaborate with QC and production teams to support on-time, safe manufacturing.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational NDT training preferred.
• Level II UT certification or equivalent required/preferred.
• Experience in ultrasonic testing, ideally in ERW pipe manufacturing or heavy industry.
• Ability to read inspection procedures, drawings, and quality specs.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor automated and manual UT testing equipment.
• Inspect ERW weld seams for defects and evaluate indications.
• Record inspection results with pipe ID, heat number, size, and grade.
• Maintain calibration logs and verify equipment performance.
• Coordinate with QC and production to ensure compliance with procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Reading drawings

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma

NDT technical or vocational training

UT Level II

Tools

UT equipment operation

Calibration procedures

A-scan interpretation

Job description

The Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Operator is responsible for performing ultrasonic inspections on Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) pipes to detect and evaluate potential defects in the weld seam, pipe body, and other specified areas. The operator ensures that inspection equipment is properly calibrated, testing is performed in accordance with approved procedures, and results meet applicable industry standards, customer specifications, and company quality requirements.

2. Key Responsibilities

Ultrasonic Testing Operations

• Operate and monitor automated and/or manual ultrasonic testing equipment used in ERW pipe inspection.
• Perform ultrasonic inspection of the ERW weld seam to detect discontinuities such as lack of fusion, lack of penetration, cracks, inclusions, and other relevant imperfections.
• Conduct pipe body or other required ultrasonic inspections in accordance with approved inspection procedures.
• Monitor UT equipment, probes, couplants, scanning systems, and signal responses during production.
• Ensure proper alignment and positioning of ultrasonic probes in relation to the weld seam.
• Identify, evaluate, and report indications according to established acceptance criteria.
• Mark, segregate, or otherwise identify pipes that require further evaluation or corrective action.

Equipment Calibration and Maintenance

• Perform equipment calibration and verification checks using approved reference standards and test blocks.
• Verify equipment performance before, during, and after inspection, as required by applicable procedures.
• Monitor probe condition, couplant supply, scanning speed, and equipment settings.
• Report equipment malfunctions, calibration failures, and abnormal operating conditions to the supervisor.
• Assist maintenance personnel and NDT technicians with troubleshooting and routine equipment upkeep.

Quality Control and Documentation

• Record inspection results accurately, including pipe identification, heat number, size, grade, inspection parameters, and test results.
• Maintain inspection records, calibration logs, and nonconformance reports.
• Ensure traceability of inspected pipe throughout the manufacturing process.
• Immediately communicate unacceptable indications or testing concerns to the QC Supervisor.
• Support investigations of UT-related defects and participate in corrective and preventive actions.
• Follow applicable quality management system procedures and customer-specific requirements.

Safety and Production Support

• Follow all plant safety rules, lockout/tagout requirements, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Coordinate with mill operators, weld inspectors, and other quality personnel to support continuous production.
• Perform inspections without compromising safety, equipment integrity, or product quality.
• Participate in training, competency assessments, and continuous improvement activities.

3. Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training in NDT, welding, manufacturing, or a related field is preferred.
• Level II in UT.
• Previous experience in ultrasonic testing, preferably in an ERW pipe mill, steel tube manufacturing, or a heavy industrial environment.
• Familiarity with ultrasonic testing principles, weld inspection, and defect identification.
• Knowledge of UT equipment operation, calibration, and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and follow inspection procedures, technical drawings, and quality specifications.
• Basic computer skills for entering inspection results and maintaining records.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as required by production schedules.

4. Preferred Qualifications

• Qualification or certification in Ultrasonic Testing in accordance with an applicable NDT personnel qualification system, such as ASNT SNT-TC-1A, CP-189, or ISO 9712, as required by the employer or customer.
• Experience with automated weld seam UT systems used in ERW pipe production.
• Familiarity with applicable pipe and welding standards, such as API 5L, API 5CT, ASTM specifications, or customer-specific requirements.
• Experience interpreting A-scan signals and evaluating UT indications.
• Previous experience with weld seam tracking, calibration standards, and automated inspection alarms.

5. Knowledge and Technical Skills

• Understanding of ultrasonic wave propagation, frequency, sensitivity, gain, attenuation, and signal interpretation.
• Ability to distinguish relevant indications from non-relevant signals and equipment noise.
• Knowledge of calibration techniques, reference reflectors, and sensitivity verification.
• Familiarity with ERW pipe manufacturing processes, including forming, welding, sizing, and finishing.
• Ability to follow written procedures and acceptance criteria precisely.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

6. Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, vibration, and moving equipment.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during inspection activities.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, and other designated protective equipment.
• Ability to safely access inspection stations and handle inspection-related equipment.
• Ability to maintain concentration during repetitive and safety-critical inspection tasks.

7. Performance Expectations

• Complete assigned inspections accurately and within production requirements.
• Maintain required equipment calibration and verification compliance.
• Maintain required equipment maintenance and cleaning to ensure UT machine is operating properly.
• Correctly identify and report weld seam and pipe body discontinuities.
• Maintain accurate and complete inspection documentation.
• Follow all applicable safety, quality, and operational procedures.
• Support the production of ERW pipe that meets applicable standards and customer requirements.

8. Working Conditions

The position is primarily located in an ERW pipe mill and may require working near operating welders, forming equipment, conveyors, inspection stations, and other heavy manufacturing machinery. The operator may be required to work rotating shifts and respond to inspection issues during active production.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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