NDT Technician III - Penetrant (PT)

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

Inspector – NDT III

Join Blue Origin Operations to help stand up a new NDT capability from the ground up. You'll establish inspection processes, author and validate procedures, and work with cutting-edge equipment. You'll primarily perform Radiographic (RT) inspection of critical metallic and/or composite hardware, plus Fluorescent Penetrant (PT) inspection of metallic hardware.

As a Level III, you'll also own technique development, procedure approval, technical oversight, and the mentoring/qualifying of lower-level personnel. This role demands dedication to safe, repeatable operations and a passion for our mission.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Build it from the ground up: Shape new inspection processes on a brand-new project.
• Own the procedures: Develop, validate, and approve NDT procedures from day one.
• Cutting-edge equipment: Operate and commission digital detector arrays, computed radiography, and automated/robotic systems.
• Grow your credentials: We support certification and training, including study materials.
• Multi-method development: Cross-train into Ultrasonics, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, and emerging methods.
• Clear career pathing: Advance into Lead and NDT Engineering roles.

Responsibilities

• Establish a new NDT capability, including setup, commissioning, and qualification of inspection systems.
• Develop, author, validate, and approve NDT procedures and techniques.
• Perform Digital Radiographic (DRT) and Fluorescent Penetrant (PT) inspections on critical hardware.
• Establish and maintain examination techniques per all safety and specification requirements.
• Interpret results and apply acceptance criteria per drawings/work orders.
• Provide technical direction, oversight, and mentoring to Level I/II personnel.
• Perform daily/weekly/monthly process control checks.
• Document and organize inspection results.
• Communicate results and technical recommendations to Engineers/Managers.
• Review and approve NDT procedures; support audits and certification activities.

Qualifications

• Current NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A Level III certification in Radiography and Liquid Penetrant (both required), with documented experience meeting NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A minimums.
• 4+ years in non-film radiography (DR or CR); 2+ years in Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection.
• Experience authoring, validating, and approving NDT procedures and techniques.
• Must pass RT and PT General and Specific Tests (General Test study materials provided if needed).
• Carded as an X-ray radiographer by a state or certifying entity (e.g., ASNT, IRRSP).
• Meet NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A minimum training in RT and PT; 40 hours Radiation Safety Training; Visual Weld experience.
• Meet vision requirements: Near vision 20/25 (Snellen) at 16" or Jaeger No. 1 at not less than 12"; color perception per 14-plate Ishihara (12+ panels correct).
• Familiar with ASTM E1742, E2445, E2698 (RT) and E1417 (PT).
• Experience operating, setting up, and calibrating NDT and radiation safety equipment; determining optimal inspection parameters; and analyzing data from metallic and composite structures.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics; proficient with MS Office.
• Experience in both lab and field environments; able to lift/transport parts and equipment per OSHA requirements.
• Ability to earn trust and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee/asylee.

Desired

• Experience standing up new NDT capabilities, labs, or equipment in a startup environment.
• Experience commissioning and qualifying new NDT systems.
• Strong desire for Eddy Current experience; Advanced Phased Array training.
• 40 hours of Digital and/or Computed Radiography training.
• Ability to meet NAS-410 or ASNT-TC-1A training and certify in additional methods (Ultrasonics, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, Infrared, Terahertz, Laser Shearography).
• Knowledge of industry NDT standards.
• Aerospace production experience (1+ years) with automated/robotic inspection equipment.
• Prior experience training and qualifying NDT personnel.

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.