Northrop Grumman Australia · 1 day ago
Sr Principal NDT Engineer
United States-Minnesota-Elk River
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$123K/yr - $185K/yr
8+ years expNorthrop Grumman is a leading technology company with a focus on revolutionary systems that impact lives globally. They are seeking an experienced Non-Destructive Test Engineer to support their Armament Systems Division in Elk River, MN, focusing on the development and production of ammunition and precision guidance ordinance.
Defense & Space
Responsibilities
Obtain and maintain a minimum Level II certification in the radiography inspection method which includes formal classroom training, on-the-job training, and written and practical exams for the method and level. Must complete retesting at specified intervals to retain certifications
Perform nondestructive inspections using Digital Radiography (DR) and Computed Tomography (CT) in accordance with approved procedures, techniques, applicable specifications, and assigned certification-level authority
Set up, calibrate, and operate DR and CT inspection systems, including X-ray sources, detectors, manipulators, fixtures, and associated software, to ensure inspections meet required image quality, sensitivity, and coverage requirements
Interpret and evaluate DR and CT inspection data to determine conformance to applicable acceptance criteria, drawings, and specifications, within the scope of certification held
Verify inspection readiness by confirming system performance checks, calibration status, reference standards, image quality indicators (IQIs), and technique parameters are properly established prior to inspection
Generate accurate, complete, and traceable inspection records and reports, ensuring inspection parameters, results, and observations are documented in accordance with internal procedures and customer requirements
Maintain control of inspection data, images, and records, ensuring proper storage, security, configuration control, and traceability of digital inspection files
Ensure all inspection activities comply with applicable codes, standards, written practices, and specifications (e.g., Internal, NAS410, ASTM, customer-specific requirements)
Perform routine system checks, basic troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance activities within assigned authorities; escalate equipment issues, anomalies, or system limitations to appropriate technical, engineering, or Level III personnel
Adhere to all radiation safety, environmental, and workplace safety requirements, including proper use of shielding, interlocks, monitoring devices, and controlled areas
Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits by providing inspection records, technical explanations of inspection methods, and demonstrations of compliance, as appropriate to certification level
Assist the Responsible Level III (RL3) with other NDT-related technical projects, including but not limited to, support for Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Eddy Current Testing (ET) systems. Support activities may include equipment setup, fixture installation, system verification checks, trial inspections, data collection support, and documentation, performed under RL3 direction and oversight
Support the development, setup, evaluation, and improvement of automated or semi-automated NDT inspection systems (including UT and ET), providing technical and operational assistance without performing independent inspections outside of certified methods
Assist in the design, development, and implementation of DR and CT inspection fixtures, including fixtures used for multi-part inspections and fixtures used to hold parts at specific orientations or angles to support CT scanning and image quality requirements
Operate and maintain additive manufacturing (3D printing) equipment used to fabricate inspection fixtures; provide practical technical input on fixture design to ensure inspection stability, repeatability, and effectiveness. CAD-based fixture design may be utilized when available but is not required
Assist in the review, optimization, and continuous improvement of inspection techniques, work instructions, and inspection workflows under the guidance of the RL3 or engineering authority
Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to Level I and Level II personnel, as appropriate to certification level
Participate in continuous improvement activities related to inspection quality, defect detection capability, system reliability, automation effectiveness, and data integrity
Author inspection procedures, technique sheets, and inspection instructions in accordance with applicable standards and written practices
Review and approve inspection techniques, acceptance criteria, and system performance requirements for assigned NDT methods
Provide technical authority and oversight for NDT operations, including support for audits, certifications, technical reviews, and inspection disposition
Support NDT capability assessments, system qualifications, and supplier technical evaluations, as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor of Science Degree in STEM discipline plus 8 years of relevant experience
Radiography Level 2 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
Experience operating a CT Machine, reconstructing scan data, and analyzing for defects
Coursework and OJT hours in Ultrasonic and/or Eddy Current methods
Preferred
Radiography Level 3 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
Ultrasonic Level 2/3 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
Eddy Current Level 2/3 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
Computed Tomography Level 2/3 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Materials, or Non-Destructive Test Engineering
Proficiency with CAD/solid modeling software
Benefits
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
Company
Northrop Grumman Australia
Northrop Grumman Australia is the Australia-based arm of Northrop Grumman Corporation and committed to generating long-term prosperity, investing in advanced Research & Development, sovereign and exportable Intellectual Property, high-quality jobs and long-term technology leadership across the Commonwealth.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageCompany data provided by crunchbase