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Nondestructive Testing Inspector Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Inspector Senior

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25.60 - $32/hr

Perform nondestructive testing, including daily checks and equipment setup, while maintaining safety and a FOD-free work area * Investigate customer return failures and assist source inspectors ...

Inspector Senior

Irvine, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Perform nondestructive testing, execute daily checks, and ensure compliance with safety and FOD-free procedures. * Investigate customer return failures and assist source inspectors; document and ...

Inspector Senior Pay Rate: $28-$32/hr. Location: Irvine, CA Zip Code: 92606 Area code: 949 Shift ... Perform nondestructive testing, including daily checks and equipment setup, while ensuring ...

NDE ENGINEER, RADIOGRAPHY TESTING This Sr. NDE Engineer position sits within the NDE Engineering ... Develop and deliver advanced nondestructive evaluation inspection solutions * Design, prototype ...

Showing results 21-40

Nondestructive Testing Inspector information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

$17

$35

$50

How much do nondestructive testing inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for nondestructive testing inspector in Santa Ana, CA is $35.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.03 and $42.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nondestructive testing inspector?

Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Inspectors are professionals who examine materials, components, or structures for flaws and defects without causing any damage to them. They use specialized methods such as ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, and dye penetrant testing to assess the integrity and reliability of items used in various industries like aerospace, construction, and manufacturing. Their work helps ensure safety, quality standards, and compliance with regulations. NDT Inspectors often interpret test results, prepare reports, and recommend repairs or further testing as needed.

How does a nondestructive testing inspector typically collaborate with engineers and other technical staff during inspections?

Nondestructive Testing Inspectors frequently work closely with engineers, quality control teams, and production staff to ensure the integrity and safety of materials or components. They communicate findings, interpret test results, and may recommend further testing or repairs based on their assessments. Effective collaboration is essential, as inspectors often support engineers in diagnosing issues, developing inspection procedures, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. This teamwork fosters a thorough understanding of project requirements and helps ensure that safety and quality objectives are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nondestructive testing inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nondestructive Testing Inspector, you need a solid understanding of physics, materials science, and inspection procedures, typically backed by certifications such as ASNT Level I, II, or III. Expertise with technical tools like ultrasonic, radiographic, and magnetic particle testing equipment is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for accurately interpreting results and reporting findings. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of critical structures and components across industries.

What is the difference between Nondestructive Testing Inspector vs Radiographer?

AspectNondestructive Testing InspectorRadiographer
CertificationsASNT certifications, Level I/II/IIIARRT certification
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, manufacturing plants, constructionMedical facilities, hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, energy, infrastructureHealthcare, medical imaging

While both roles involve imaging and inspection techniques, Nondestructive Testing Inspectors focus on evaluating materials and structures without damage in industrial settings, whereas Radiographers specialize in medical imaging to diagnose health conditions. Their certifications, work environments, and industry applications differ, making each role unique in its field.

What are popular job titles related to Nondestructive Testing Inspector jobs in Santa Ana, CA?

For Nondestructive Testing Inspector jobs in Santa Ana, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nondestructive Testing Inspector jobs in Santa Ana, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Nondestructive Testing Inspector jobs in Santa Ana, CA are:

What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for Nondestructive Testing Inspector jobs?

Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most Nondestructive Testing Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Nondestructive Testing Inspector job openings in Santa Ana, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,513 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

NDE Level II Inspector (Starship Mechanisms) - Split Shift

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$50 - $60/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

NDE LEVEL II INSPECTOR (STARSHIP MECHANISMS) - SPLIT SHIFT

The NDE operations organization at SpaceX is an inclusive, interdisciplinary team committed to providing high-quality inspections of flight components and production assemblies. The breadth of exposure as an NDE Level II Inspector is immense, as the organization is responsible for a large diversity of inspection types across the Starship program.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Perform surface NDE inspections, including but not limited to VT and PT
  • Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and report findings to production and engineering teams
  • Interpret and review engineering drawings as required
  • Support the development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries
  • Support research and development of system qualification and certification for critical processes
  • Assist in training and developing others on the team

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • Nondestructive Evaluation Level II certification in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: eddy current (ET), radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), computed radiography (CR), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), or ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW); OR 3+ years of inspection experience in an aerospace, aviation, military or a precision machined parts manufacturing environment OR completion of a certified NDE/NDT school or course

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Additional nondestructive evaluation Level II certifications in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance
  • Experience using one of the listed NDE methods for the inspection of weldments, forgings, or castings
  • 2+ years of experience as a level II nondestructive evaluation/testing inspector
  • Experience performing NDE testing within the aerospace industry
  • American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft applications
  • Experience inspecting advanced materials such as high strength aluminum alloys, precipitation hardened steels, Inconel, Monel, titanium, and Maraging steel (super alloys)
  • Knowledge of UTEX InspectionWare software or equivalent
  • Knowledge of NASA 5009 standards
  • Knowledge of AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM, standards
  • Experience with problem solving tools and techniques including: practical problem solving (PPS), and eight disciplines (8D)
  • Basic understanding of Lean principles: 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement initiative

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Shift times:
    • Split shift: (~11:00AM - ~10:00PM)
  • Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as needed
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl and maneuver in tight spaces. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time - 8 hours min

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    
Level 1: $25.00 - $35.00/hour    
Level 2: $30.00 - $40.00/hour    
Level 3: $35.00 - $45.00/hour
Level 4: $43.00 - $54.00/hour
Level 5: $50.00 - $60.00/hour  

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US