Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Onyx Specialty Processing is a specialty surface finishing company in Decatur, Texas, serving the aerospace and defense industries. Our capabilities include Anodize (Type I, II, and III), Chromate Conversion Coating (Chem Film Type I and II), Passivation, Paint, NDT and related processes — performed to strict MIL-SPEC and AMS standards in a NADCAP-accredited environment. Quality is not a department at Onyx — it is the foundation of everything we do.

The NDT Inspector (Level II – Penetrant) is responsible for performing fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) on aerospace components in accordance with NAS 410 and applicable customer and industry specifications (ASTM E1417, Nadcap, and prime-specific requirements). This is a hands-on, technically focused position where NDT inspection is the primary function. In addition to PT inspection duties, this role supports broader quality operations across the facility, such as in-process and final inspection activities as needed to support quality compliance and/or chemical analysis and titrations. As part of the QC team, the NDT Inspector works collaboratively with fellow inspectors and quality staff to balance workloads, prioritize jobs, and collectively drive key performance indicators and overall plant quality performance. The ideal candidate is a current Level II PT-certified inspector with meticulous attention to detail and working knowledge of aerospace quality standards; chemistry aptitude is a plus. This role reports directly to the QC Manager and does not have direct reports.

NDT — Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (PT)

• Perform fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) on aerospace components as an NDT Level II certified inspector in accordance with NAS 410, customer specifications, and applicable process instructions.
• Set up, operate, and maintain PT inspection equipment and the penetrant line, ensuring system parameters (dwell time, emulsification, wash, developer, UV intensity, ambient light) are within specification before and during inspections.
• Evaluate, interpret, and disposition inspection indications per applicable acceptance criteria; document all findings accurately on inspection records.
• Identify and segregate non-conforming parts; communicate rejections clearly to production and the Quality Manager.
• Maintain PT system logs, equipment calibration records, and process control documentation in compliance with NADCAP and customer requirements.
• Support periodic system performance checks (PSC/TPC) and participate in NADCAP audit preparation and responses.

Inspection & Quality Documentation

• Conduct visual and dimensional inspections on processed parts to verify compliance with customer drawings, specifications, and work order requirements.
• Assist with hardness testing, conductivity testing, coating thickness measurement, and other quality assessments as directed.
• Generate clear, accurate inspection reports and communicate findings to the Quality Manager in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized and compliant records of all inspection and testing activities to support traceability requirements.

Chemical Analysis & Process Bath Monitoring

• Perform titrations and chemical analyses on process baths across anodize, chem film, passivation, and related finishing lines to verify bath chemistry is within specified limits.
• Record all analytical results accurately in bath logs and process control documentation; flag out-of-specification conditions to the Technician Supervisor and Quality Manager immediately.
• Prepare and standardize titration solutions; maintain chemical analysis supplies, reagents, and calibrated laboratory equipment in proper working order.
• Track bath chemistry trends over time and assist in identifying drift or deterioration before process non-conformances occur.
• Support chemist and process technician teams in maintaining process control within established parameters.

Process Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and enforce adherence to established quality control processes and procedures on the production floor.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and resolve deviations from quality standards promptly.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives as directed by the Quality Manager.
• Assist in training production personnel on quality control processes, proper part handling, and inspection techniques.
• Support internal and external audits including NADCAP, customer source inspections, and internal surveillance audits.

Requirements

Required

• Must be a U.S. citizen (required for aerospace compliance).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Active NDT Level II certification in Penetrant Testing (PT) per NAS 410 or equivalent (ASNT SNT-TC-1A).
• Minimum 2 years of experience performing PT inspection in an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work orders, and process travelers.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Preferred

• Experience performing chemical analysis and titrations in a laboratory or manufacturing process control center.
• Experience in aerospace surface finishing (anodize, chem film, passivation, or plating) processes.
• Familiarity with MIL-SPEC and AMS specifications relevant to surface finishing (e.g., MIL-A-8625, MIL-DTL-5541, AMS 2700).
• Experience working within a NADCAP-accredited quality system.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems for work order tracking and quality documentation.

Skills

• Level II PT certification (NAS 410) with the ability to perform and interpret fluorescent penetrant inspections per specification
• Disciplined adherence to written instructions, drawings, work instructions, and procedures without shortcuts
• Meticulous attention to detail across repetitive tasks — the hundredth part inspected with the same care as the first
• Personal integrity and accountability; does the job correctly every time and raises concerns when something doesn't look right
• Clear, prompt communication of findings and non-conformances to production and quality leadership
• Strong organizational habits and the ability to manage tasks independently with minimal supervision
• Aptitude for learning new technical procedures (bath chemistry, lab instrumentation, additional inspection methods) once trained
• Comfort maintaining traceable, audit-ready quality records

Benefits

• 401(k) with 4% Company Match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)