NDT Level I Technician

Summary: Palmer Foundry is seeking a motivated NDT Level I Technician to join our foundry team. In this role, you will work with advanced Digital Radiography (DR) and Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), to inspect safety-critical aerospace-grade aluminum castings. This is a career-development role. We will provide the structured training, classroom hours, and on-the-job training (OJT) required to advance your skills. Our explicit intent is to train, mentor, and sponsor the right candidate to achieve their certified NAS 410 Level II status. 

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or software source code that is subject to export controls restrictions under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) and will therefore be required to meet eligibility criteria under ITAR and EAR regulations.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The trainee is an individual who is documented as participating in a training program for an NDT method and is in the process of becoming qualified for certification in Level 1 or directly to Level 2. In the technique/method in which they are prepared for certification, the trainee shall: 

• Be documented as a trainee and be actively participating in a training program for a stated NDT method for a limited and specified period.
• Shall have successfully passed a vision examination in accordance with NAS 410 Eye Examination requirements.
• Must pass annual eye and color vision tests in accordance with NAS 410 Eye Examination requirements.

• Obtain experience under the direct observation of a Level II or Level III in the same method.
• Obtain experience under the direct observation of a Level I or instructor only when approved by the Responsible Level III.
• Not make any accept or reject decisions.
• Not independently conduct any tests.
• Not independently perform any other NDT function.

 In the method in which certified, Level 1 individuals shall:

• Be able to follow work instructions in English (both oral and written instructions).
• Have the skills and knowledge to process parts, document results, and perform equipment standardization in accordance with approved work instructions.
• Have the skills and knowledge to conduct any necessary preparation of parts before or after inspection in accordance with approved work instructions.
• Have the skills and knowledge to conduct system performance checks in accordance with the applicable process standard.
• Receive the guidance or supervision from a certified Level 2 or Level 3 in the method when necessary.
• Not interpret or evaluate results.
• Have the skills and knowledge to set up and standardize equipment, process parts, interpret and evaluate for acceptance or rejection and document results.
• Be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the technique/method.
• Have the skills and knowledge to conduct system performance checks in accordance with the applicable process standard.
• Be capable of providing the necessary guidance and/or supervision to trainees and Level 1 personnel.
• Be familiar with the codes, standards, and other contractual documents that control the method used by Palmer Foundry.
• Be capable of developing work instructions from approved general procedures.  Such work instructions shall require final approval by a Level 3 certified in the method.
• Have a basic knowledge of relevant product manufacturing and inspection technology.

 In the method in which certified, Level 2 individuals shall:

 Key Responsibilities & Capabilities

Boundary of Authority: Level 1 technicians cannot independently evaluate or make pass/fail acceptance decisions on parts, nor can they select techniques or write inspection procedures. Under direct supervision, the Level 1 technician will learn:

• Equipment Setup & Operation: assemble, position, and calibrate X-ray source equipment, and/or digital detectors following established instructions.

• Performing Tests: carry out radiographic exposures and process digital scan signals according to written procedures.

• Data Recording: log exposure parameters, part numbers, and raw inspection results accurately.

 Key Skills & Qualifications (KSI)

• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of radiation safety principles, X-ray/gamma-ray physics, film or digital image processing, and basic defect recognition.

• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Strict adherence to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) radiation safety rules, handling badges/dosimeters, and maintaining safe perimeters.

 Certification Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must complete formal classroom training hours (typically a 40-hour RT Level 1 and Radiation Safety course meeting ASNT CP-105 standard).
• Must complete required on-the-job experience hours per NAS410.
• Must pass general, specific, and practical examinations (both oral and written) in English.
• Must possess high attention to detail, reliability, precise adherence to written instructions, and clear communication with senior inspectors.

 Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in an industrial foundry environment involving heat, noise, dust, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods and access production and equipment areas throughout the facility.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and work around industrial machinery as required.
• Ability to lift and/or move equipment, tools, and components consistent with established company safety practices.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

 The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

 Palmer Foundry also complies with federal employment eligibility verification laws through the E-Verify process. To verify identity and legal authority to work in the U.S., on their first day of employment, employees must present either a document which establishes both identity and work authorization (e.g., a U.S. Passport or Permanent Resident Card), or provide one document for identity (e.g., a state-issued driver's license) and one for work authorization (e.g., a U.S. Social Security Card). All documents must be unexpired and presented in original form to Palmer Foundry for the completion of Form I-9 and the E-Verify process.