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Non Destructive Test Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$40K - $67K/yr

Northrop Grumman's Defense Systems sector is currently seeking a Non-Destructive Test Technician to support our growing business in our Rocket Center, West Virginia location. Rocket Center, WV is ...

$40K - $67K/yr

Northrop Grumman's Defense Systems sector is currently seeking a Non-Destructive Test Technician to support our growing business in our Rocket Center, West Virginia location. Rocket Center, WV is ...

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Non Destructive Test Technician information

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How much do non destructive test technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for non destructive test technician in the United States is $25.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a non destructive test technician?

Non Destructive Test Technicians are professionals who use specialized techniques and equipment to evaluate the properties and integrity of materials, components, or structures without causing them any damage. They commonly inspect items such as pipelines, aircraft parts, and building structures to detect flaws like cracks, corrosion, or other defects. Their work helps ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of products and infrastructure across industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, and construction. These technicians must be skilled in methods like ultrasonic, magnetic particle, radiographic, and dye penetrant testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a non destructive test technician?

To thrive as a Non Destructive Test Technician, you need a solid understanding of physics, materials science, and inspection methods, usually supported by formal training and NDT certifications such as ASNT Level I, II, or III. Familiarity with technical equipment like ultrasonic, radiographic, and magnetic particle testing devices, as well as reporting software, is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate results and safe operations. These skills are essential for identifying defects reliably, maintaining safety standards, and supporting the integrity of critical structures or components.

What are some common challenges non destructive test technicians face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Non Destructive Test Technicians often encounter challenges such as working in confined or hazardous environments, interpreting ambiguous test results, and staying current with rapidly evolving testing technologies. Addressing these challenges involves rigorous adherence to safety protocols, continuous training on new testing methods, and collaborating closely with engineers and quality assurance teams to ensure accurate results. Effective communication and a strong attention to detail also help technicians succeed in overcoming these obstacles.

What is the difference between Non Destructive Test Technician vs Welding Inspector?

AspectNon Destructive Test TechnicianWelding Inspector
CertificationsLevel I/II/III NDT certifications (ASNT, ASME)Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, aerospace, oil & gasConstruction sites, fabrication shops, manufacturing facilities
Job FocusInspecting materials and components using NDT methodsInspecting welds for quality and compliance
Industry UsageCommon in aerospace, oil & gas, power generationPrimarily in construction, manufacturing, and fabrication

While both roles involve quality inspection in industrial settings, Non Destructive Test Technicians focus on using NDT methods to assess material integrity, whereas Welding Inspectors specialize in evaluating weld quality. Both require specific certifications and are vital in ensuring safety and compliance in manufacturing and construction industries.

How much do Non Destructive Test technicians earn?

Non-Destructive Test (NDT) technicians typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Advanced skills and certifications like ASNT Level III can lead to higher salaries, and many work in industrial environments with shift work or overtime opportunities.

Is a Non Destructive Test Technician a good career?

A Non Destructive Test (NDT) Technician is a skilled professional who uses methods like ultrasonic, radiographic, or magnetic testing to inspect materials and structures without causing damage. The role offers steady employment, good pay, and opportunities for certification and advancement in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy. It requires technical training, attention to detail, and often involves working in challenging environments.
More about Non Destructive Test Technician jobs

What states have the most Non Destructive Test Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Non Destructive Test Technician jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Non Destructive Test Technician jobs?

For Non Destructive Test Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Non Destructive Test Technician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,688 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Non Destructive Test Technician - Travel Team

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate ultrasonic testing (UT) inspection equipment and automated systems to evaluate parts for processing discontinuities.

  • Set up, calibrate, and perform process control checks on UT equipment following established instructions and record results.

  • Review procedures, specifications, and instructions to ensure completeness and proper execution of testing operations.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 75% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking for a Non Destructive Test Technician for programs located in the Palmdale, CA facility within the Quality department. This position can be filled either as a Level 3 or Level 4 Technician based on experience. This role requires both domestic and international travel up to 90% of the time and must be based in Palmdale, CA.
Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Our NDT team works daily on some of Northrop Grumman's most technologically advanced aircraft. Our Palmdale, CA site is uniquely suited for the development, prototyping, production and testing of military aircraft systems, both manned and unmanned. The highly specialized manufacturing and engineering facility in Palmdale employs over people and every day employees can see their hard work take off and land on the flight test runway. Bring your experience and take advantage of this opportunity to discover how you can start to push past possible and achieve your goals today. With Northrop Grumman, our NDT team enjoys a diverse, collaborative environment that is supportive to launch your career.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Review routers, procedures, specifications, and other instructions for completeness and instructions to perform operation
  • Process parts in accordance with procedures and technical instructions to evaluate for processing discontinuities exceeding specified requirements
  • Operate UT inspection equipment/automated systems
  • Set-up, operate, calibrate, and perform Process Control Checks on UT equipment by following established instructions and record results
  • Interpret, evaluate, and report evaluation results, as required and outlined
  • Fill out required logs and statistical data sheets, as required
  • Maintain required job skills and knowledge of requirements (including procedures, specifications, etc.)
  • Maintain work area, equipment, and all documents/records to be audit ready at all times
  • Completes these and other job duties as instructed

Basic Qualifications Level 3:
  • High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of Non Destructive Test experience specifically in ultrasonic methodology
  • Level II Certification in UT method in accordance with NAS-410
  • Able to be subject to areas which could cause various phobias due to height or close spaces
  • Must be willing to work any shift, overtime or non-standard work schedule
  • Experience with AUSS Mobile, OMNISCAN, BondMaster, and Epoch 650
  • Able to read and interpret blueprint and engineering drawings and be able to document non-conformances as required
  • Ability to successfully pass vision screen and color blindness tests
  • Ability to pass General, Specific, and Practical exams within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company
  • Able to lift up to approximately 25 pounds. May occasionally lift 50 pounds (with assistance)
  • Ability to obtain/maintain US Govt clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
  • Active US Passport
  • Must pass medical evaluation including eye exam

Basic Qualifications Level 4:
  • High School Diploma/GED and 6 years of Non Destructive Test experience specifically in ultrasonic methodology
  • Level II Certification in UT method in accordance with NAS-410
  • Able to read and interpret blueprint and engineering drawings and be able to document non-conformances as required
  • Ability to successfully pass vision screen and color blindness tests
  • Experience with AUSS Mobile, OMNISCAN, BondMaster, and Epoch 650
  • Ability to pass General, Specific, and Practical exams within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company
  • Able to be subject to a variety of physical conditions and areas which could cause various phobias due to height or closed spaces
  • Able to lift up to approximately 25 pounds. May occasionally lift 50 pounds (with assistance)
  • Must be willing to work any shift, overtime or non-standard work schedule
  • Ability to obtain/maintain US Govt clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
  • Active US Passport
  • Must pass medical evaluation including eye exam

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certification in Multiple Non Destructive Inspection (NDI) Disciplines
  • 2 Year degree/certification from NDI Training Institution

Primary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $79,100.00 - $131,900.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939