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NDT Engineer Level III – Composites & Advanced Inspection Verified today

Blue Origin · Space Coast, FL · Production · first seen 2026-10-02
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The Role

As an NDT Engineer Level III, you will perform development and production nondestructive testing activities for spaceflight systems supporting New Glenn (launch vehicle) and Lunar (space systems) programs. Your primary focus is ultrasonic inspection of composite payload adapters and payload fairings, complemented by infrared thermography and digital radiography. You will own the design, development, and tactical planning of inspections with minimal oversight, directly assuring part integrity, quality, and life for hardware that flies.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform ultrasonic (UT) inspection of composite flight hardware using pulse-echo, through-transmission, and phased array (PAUT) techniques, working the entire inspection design and execution cycle with minimal oversight.
  • Author, validate, and maintain UT inspection techniques, scan programs, and reference standards for new components.
  • Provide infrared thermography (IRT) and digital radiography (DR) inspection support to complement composite UT inspections.
  • Interpret inspection data and disposition defects on flight hardware; participate in root cause analyses and support corrective actions for moderate-to-major-scope non-conformances.
  • Own product inspection design, development strategy, and tactical planning with general guidance on new assignments.
  • Participate in tool development, process improvements, and release of engineering products; capture best practices.
  • Support upstream design reviews to maximize hardware inspectability; create, review, and maintain inspection plans, procedures, and specifications.
  • Support test campaigns with real-time NDE for validation activities (bondline, static/pressure testing) and identify technical, cost, and schedule risks.
  • Support supplier technique review and approval; build relationships with external composite vendors.
  • Provide training and mentoring on inspection techniques, procedures, and criteria to Level I/II inspectors per NAS 410 or equivalent.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Technical Bachelor's or Master's degree (engineering, physics, or related discipline).
  • Typically 6+ years of relevant NDT engineering experience or equivalent.
  • ASNT Level II (Level III preferred, or substantive equivalent) in Ultrasonic Testing (UT), with hands-on experience inspecting composite structures (pulse-echo and through-transmission).
  • Developing-to-established professional expertise across the inspection cycle with demonstrated track record of safe operations.
  • Experience determining parameters, techniques, and calibrations for composite inspection and interpreting/dispositioning inspection data on critical structures.
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints and schematic diagrams.
  • Knowledge of NDT personnel certification practices (NAS 410 or equivalent) and AS9100.
  • Ability to earn trust, solicit and accept feedback, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

  • ASNT Level II or substantive experience in Infrared/Thermography (IR) and/or Digital Radiography (RT).
  • Certification or exposure to Shearography, Terahertz (THz), and/or Eddy Current (ET).
  • Knowledge of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and through-transmission (AirScan) systems.
  • Knowledge of Probability of Detection (POD) studies.
  • Experience with automated/robotic data acquisition and 3D scan-path programming.
  • Software/automation coding: SQL, Python, C++, C#, Intel Intrinsics.
  • Knowledge of NDT standards: NAS 410, ASTM E2580, E2533, E1495, E317, AMS-STD-2154.
  • ABET-accredited degree in mechanical, electrical, or materials science engineering.
  • Ionizing radiation safety credential or third-party IRRSP certification for RT support.
  • Aerospace production or R&D experience; knowledge of composites fabrication processes.

Location and Travel

This role is based at Rocket Park on Florida's Space Coast. Up to 25% travel is expected to support test campaigns (static/pressure testing) and NDT supplier sites.