Ndt Operations Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

The Regional Responsible Level III supports Valence Surface Technologies non-destructive testing (NDT), engineering and quality teams. Valence performs Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle inspection to ensure safety of aerospace and defense components at separate facilities across the United States. This position is responsible for implementation of NAS 410 and the administration of the NDT qualification and certification requirements for nondestructive testing to a site and/or region(s), as delegated.  It has the technical responsibility for interpreting, planning, organizing, executing, coordinating, and tracking progress of assignments. The Regional Responsible Level III will plan, and direct NDT projects concerned with unique and diverse problems which have an important effect on major programs or products within Valence and will have responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to their field. This position requires the ability to travel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain and ensure application of current NDT standards, including NAS410, SNTTC1A, ASTM methods, and applicable OEM specifications.
• Develop, maintain, and administer the company’s NDT Written Practice, including certification requirements, training programs, and recertification processes.
• Serve as the technical authority for assigned NDT methods, including method selection, technique development, and approval of procedures.
• Interpret engineering drawings, technical manuals, specifications, standards, planning documents, and contractual requirements to determine appropriate NDT methods, inspection sequences, and acceptance criteria for ferrous and nonferrous materials, components, and weldments.
• Ensure full compliance with customer, industry, and government regulations governing nondestructive inspection activities.
• Develop, review, and approve NDT work instructions and procedures in accordance with customer specifications, OEM requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Verify proper setup, calibration, and operation of NDT equipment used to inspect internal structures of metallic materials; interpret test results, readouts, and recordings to determine product acceptability.
• Oversee the setup and use of surfaceinspection equipment qualifications—including borescopes, black lights, and precision measurement instruments—to ensure accurate system performance checks and detection of discontinuities.
• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate parts, assemblies, and weldments for conformance to applicable specifications and standards; develop and refine inspection techniques as needed.
• Ensure proper documentation, retention, and traceability of NDT records, reports, and certifications
• Train, examine, and certify NDT Level I, II, and III personnel in accordance with NAS 410, Valence Qualification requirements, OEM procedures, and applicable industry standards.
• Evaluate, approve, and periodically audit external NDT service providers to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements
• Provide expert technical guidance to management, engineering, sales, customers, suppliers, and auditors on NDT processes, materials, inspection requirements, and compliance matters.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives by conducting product, system, compliance, and surveillance audits; investigating customer concerns; and collaborating with crossfunctional teams to enhance processes.
• Identify emerging NDT technologies and lead initiatives to enhance inspection capability and organizational competitiveness. Assist in the development and qualification of new technologies, inspection methods, and procedures to support new approvals and evolving customer needs.
• Maintain compliance with Nadcap & Customer requirements, including preparation for audits, corrective actions, and ongoing program oversight. Acting as the primary NDT technical representative during customer, OEM, and regulatory audits
• Develop, optimize, and streamline inspection programs to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall process capability.
• Perform calibration and execution of nondestructive tests to verify product integrity and ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Establish, approve and validate inspection techniques that ensure accurate and reliable examination results while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Conduct magnetic particle, fluorescent penetrant, and contrast dye penetrant inspections, including evaluation of hidden or difficulttoaccess surfaces.
• Apply advanced problemsolving and qualityimprovement methodologies, including preventive and corrective action tools, management and planning tools, and barrierremoval strategies.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data using appropriate quantitative methods to support business decisions, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to quality assurance objectives by supporting strategic planning, developing and executing action plans, implementing quality and productivity standards, resolving issues, and driving system improvements.
• Develop comprehensive quality assurance plans through risk analyses, identification of critical control points, establishment of preventive measures and critical limits, and implementation of monitoring and verification procedures.
• Validate quality processes by defining product specifications and attributes, measuring production outputs, documenting objective evidence, determining qualification requirements, and authoring or updating quality procedures.
• Strengthen departmental and organizational performance by taking ownership of new assignments, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, and contributing to a culture of excellence.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational goals and operational needs.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior by ensuring integrity, impartiality, and professionalism in all NDT activities, decisions, certifications, and interactions
• This position requires access to technical data and information—including specifications, drawings, schematics, blueprints,quotes,planning,workorders, quotes,briefings, and proposals—regulated under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).In accordance withITAR, this role is restricted to U.S. Persons as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15. Valence facilities must verify an applicant’s eligibility to access export-controlled information prior to employment and throughout the duration of employment. Employees in this roleare required tocomply withall export control laws and complete mandatory ITAR compliance training.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification: High school diploma or equivalent required.  Associate's degree or higher in engineering or equivalent experience preferred.  

Required Knowledge:       Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SPC programs, Visio. 

Experience Required:   Minimum 5 years aerospace relevant experience

NAS 410 Level III in penetrant (PT) and Level III in magnetic particle (MT) required.

Certified ASNT level III in penetrant (PT), Level III in magnetic particle (MT) or other methods may be required.

U.S. Persons is required, as only U.S. Persons are authorized to access information under this program.

Aerospace manufacturing operations, chemical processing preferred.

5 -7 years, Nadcap Experience required.

Selected candidate may live anywhere in the Midwest.  Preferred to have access to a major airport.