Creating a Safer World: Exploring Diverse Career Paths in Nondestructive Testing

By Jill Ross

This article excerpt was originally published in the May 2024 issue of Materials Evaluation. To read the full piece, please click here . Become an ASNT member today and access this issue for free!

Nondestructive testing (NDT) plays a pivotal role across various industries by ensuring the safety, integrity, and reliability of critical infrastructure and components. In fact, it’s hard to think of an industry that NDT doesn’t touch in some way! As technology advances and the built world ages, the demand for skilled professionals in NDT will continue to grow. This article delves into a few of the many career paths one can embark upon in NDT that cross a spectrum of vertical industries and horizontal sectors (Figures 1 and 2).

Powering Our World

The energy sector is a complex and multi-faceted industry involving primary energy sources, production, and generation, distribution and transmission, and consumption. NDT practitioners can be found in the following industries:

Oil and Gas/Petrochemical: In the oil and gas industry, NDT professionals are responsible for inspecting pipelines, storage tanks, and offshore structures for defects and corrosion. Careers in this sector can involve conducting ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant testing to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent environmental hazards.

Nuclear Power: NDT is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants. Professionals in this field inspect reactor vessels, steam generators, and other critical components using techniques such as eddy current testing and acoustic emission testing. Due to the stringent regulations and safety protocols, careers in nuclear NDT require special training.

Electrical Power Utilities: NDT professionals in the electrical power sector inspect transmission lines, transformers, and electrical substations. Thermographic imaging, ultrasonic testing, and partial discharge analysis are commonly used techniques to detect faults and prevent power outages.

Renewable Energy: The renewable energy sector, including wind and solar, relies on NDT for quality assurance and maintenance. Professionals in this sector inspect wind turbine blades, solar panels, and supporting structures using techniques like thermal imaging, acoustic emission testing, and visual inspection.

Exploring Our World

NDT plays a crucial role in ensuring safe travel around the globe, including the following methods of transportation:

Aviation: NDT is used in the aviation industry to ensure the structural integrity of aircraft components, engines, and airframes. Professionals in aviation NDT conduct inspections using techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, X-ray inspection, and computed tomography to detect defects and prevent catastrophic failures. Careers in aviation NDT offer opportunities to work with leading aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and maintenance organizations.

Automotive: The automotive industry uses NDT for quality control, defect detection, and ensuring vehicle safety. Professionals in automotive NDT inspect components such as engine parts, chassis, and welds using techniques like radiographic testing, ultrasonic immersion testing, and magnetic particle inspection. Careers in automotive NDT offer opportunities to work with leading manufacturers and contribute to vehicle reliability and performance. Some NDT specialists even work with racecar teams.

Marine: The marine industry needs NDT to inspect ships, offshore platforms, and underwater structures for corrosion, fatigue cracks, and structural integrity. Professionals in marine NDT use techniques such as underwater ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and remote visual inspection to assess the condition of maritime assets. Careers in marine NDT offer opportunities to work in challenging environments and contribute to maritime safety and environmental protection.

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