Working Method Level 3

Applus+ Laboratories; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

Vision coverage

Medical, dental, vision

Pet insurance

Discounts (home & auto)

2 weeks paid time off

In-house training

Job summary

Applus+ Laboratories is seeking a Method Level III (RT/DDA) to lead radiographic testing activities, develop and validate RT techniques, and ensure compliance with NAS 410, ASTM, and customer specifications. The role involves certifying NDT personnel, mentoring Level I/II staff, and supporting audits and continuous improvement in RT/DDA processes.

The candidate will oversee method development, interpretation of drawings, calibration validation, and software revisions affecting inspection

Qualifications

• NAS 410 RT Level III certification (or ability to obtain)
• Minimum 5–10 years of aerospace or industrial radiographic inspection experience
• Experience with Digital Detector Array (DDA) systems
• Ability to develop RT techniques and interpret aerospace specifications
• Experience training and certifying NDT personnel preferred

Responsibilities

• Maintain RT/DDA technical compliance
• Certify and mentor NDT personnel
• Approve inspection techniques and procedures
• Ensure customer and regulatory compliance
• Support production with technical expertise
• Drive continuous improvement of RT/DDA processes

Skills

Technical writing

Problem solving

Leadership/mentoring

Engineering drawings interpretation

MS Office & NDT software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics

Associate's degree in Engineering/Materials

High school diploma or GED

Tools

DDA systems

Image processing software

CR/NDT software systems

Job description

The Method Level III (RT/DDA) is the technical authority for all radiographic testing activities utilizing film and/or Digital Detector Array (DDA) technology. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving RT inspection methods while ensuring compliance with customer specifications, industry standards, regulatory requirements, and the company's quality management system.

The Method Level III provides technical leadership, certifies NDT personnel, develops inspection techniques, resolves technical issues, supports audits, and serves as the primary technical resource for RT/DDA operations.

Benefits Offered:

• Company provided life insurance and vision coverage benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision, pet insurance, home and auto discounts, identity theft protection offered & much more! 2 weeks’ paid time off available immediately
• First, second, and third shifts available based on facility need’
• All training provided in house!
• No travel involved

Aerospace Structural Testing at Applus+ Laboratories - YouTube

Website: https://www.appluslaboratories.com/global/en/

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the technical authority for Radiographic Testing (RT) utilizing Digital Detector Array (DDA) systems.
• Develop, qualify, validate, and approve RT techniques and written instructions.
• Interpret and apply customer specifications, engineering drawings, and applicable codes and standards.
• Evaluate new inspection methods, equipment, and software.
• Provide technical guidance to Level I and Level II personnel.

Personnel Qualification and Certification

• Administer the company's NDT certification program in accordance with NAS 410 or customer requirements.
• Train, mentor, and examine Level I and Level II personnel.
• Conduct practical, specific, and general examinations as required.
• Maintain certification records and training documentation.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with:
• NAS 410
• ASTM standards
• Customer specifications
• Internal procedures
• FAA and aerospace quality requirements (when applicable)
• Review inspection results for technical accuracy.
• Investigate nonconformances and recommend corrective actions.
• Participate in internal, customer, and third-party audits.

Equipment and Process Control

• Approve RT equipment for production use.
• Verify system performance and image quality.
• Review and approve calibration and maintenance requirements.
• Validate software revisions affecting inspection capability.
• Monitor image quality indicators (IQIs), detector performance, and exposure techniques.

Documentation

• Prepare and revise:
• Standard operating procedures
• Work instructions
• Inspection reports
• Technical justifications
• Training materials
• Identify opportunities to improve inspection efficiency and quality.
• Support implementation of new technologies and automation.
• Participate in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related technical field preferred.

Experience

• Certified RT Level III in accordance with NAS 410 or equivalent.
• Minimum 5–10 years of aerospace or industrial radiographic inspection experience.
• Demonstrated experience with Digital Detector Array (DDA) systems.
• Experience developing RT techniques and interpreting aerospace specifications.
• Previous experience training and certifying NDT personnel preferred.

Required Knowledge

Strong working knowledge of:

• Digital Radiography (DDA)
• Computed Radiography (preferred)
• Image quality evaluation
• Radiation safety
• Geometric unsharpness
• Aerospace manufacturing processes
• Castings, welds, composites, and machined components
• Digital image processing software
• Customer-specific requirements

Certifications

Required:

• NAS 410 RT Level III (or ability to obtain)
• Current radiation safety training

Preferred

Skills

• Excellent technical writing
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Leadership and mentoring skills
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and NDT software systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to distinguish image quality and fine indications on digital displays.
• Work in manufacturing and controlled radiation environments.
• Use required personal protective equipment.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to radiation-controlled areas.
• May require occasional travel for customer meetings, audits, or training.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain RT/DDA technical compliance.
• Certify and mentor NDT personnel.
• Approve inspection techniques and procedures.
• Ensure customer and regulatory compliance.
• Support production through technical expertise.
• Drive continuous improvement of RT/DDA processes.