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Penetrant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

$33.14 - $57.32/hr

Penetrant Inspector Level 2 Job Code: 40663 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA Job Schedule: 2nd Shift 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday ...

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How much do penetrant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetrant in the United States is $29.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are penetrants in the context of a job role?

Penetrants, often referred to as liquid penetrant inspectors or technicians, are professionals who perform nondestructive testing (NDT) to detect surface-breaking defects in materials and components. They use liquid penetrant inspection methods to identify cracks, porosity, or other flaws that may not be visible to the naked eye. This process is widely used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing to ensure the safety and integrity of critical parts. Penetrants follow strict procedures for cleaning, applying penetrant, developing, and inspecting the parts. Their work is essential for quality control and compliance with industry safety standards.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Penetrant inspection jobs in the non-destructive testing field can pay around $4,000 per week for experienced workers, especially those with certifications like ASNT Level III. These roles often require specialized training, safety knowledge, and sometimes a background in manufacturing or engineering environments. High-paying positions are typically found in industrial, aerospace, or oil and gas sectors and may involve shift work or on-site inspections.

What NDT pays the most?

In nondestructive testing (NDT), penetrant testing technicians with advanced certifications and extensive experience tend to earn higher salaries. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and specialization, with some of the highest pay rates found in aerospace, oil and gas, and power generation sectors. Certified Level III technicians generally command the highest wages among NDT roles.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Penetrant inspection specialists typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually found in executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, certifications, or leadership positions, and salaries above this level are rare outside executive or business ownership contexts.

What are some common challenges faced by penetrant testing professionals and how can they be addressed?

Penetrant testing professionals often encounter challenges such as identifying subtle surface discontinuities, working in confined or awkward spaces, and ensuring thorough cleaning of test surfaces to avoid false results. Staying up-to-date with the latest testing standards and maintaining attention to detail are crucial. Collaborating closely with other NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) team members and following strict safety protocols can help address these challenges, ensuring accurate and reliable inspections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Penetrant Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Penetrant Inspector, you need knowledge of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by NDT Level I or II certification. Familiarity with penetrant testing equipment, safety protocols, and relevant industry standards such as ASNT or NAS 410 is typically required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help inspectors accurately identify and report defects. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the safety and reliability of components in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and construction.

What is a penetrant?

A penetrant is a liquid used in non-destructive testing to detect surface flaws in materials. Penetrants are applied to the surface, allowed to seep into cracks or defects, then removed, and a developer is applied to draw out the penetrant and reveal flaws. This process requires knowledge of inspection techniques and safety procedures.

What is the difference between Penetrant vs Radiographer?

AspectPenetrantRadiographer
Required CertificationsPenetrant testing certification (e.g., ASNT Level II)Radiography certification (e.g., ARRT, ARDMS)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing, aerospaceMedical facilities, hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageNon-destructive testing (NDT) in manufacturingMedical imaging and diagnostics
Job FocusDetecting surface flaws in materialsCapturing images of the human body for diagnosis

While both Penetrant testers and Radiographers work with imaging techniques, Penetrant specialists focus on non-destructive testing of materials in industrial settings, whereas Radiographers operate medical imaging equipment to diagnose patients. Their certifications, environments, and industry applications differ, but both roles require specialized training and safety protocols.

More about Penetrant jobs
What states have the most Penetrant jobs? States with the most job openings for Penetrant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Penetrant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Penetrant jobs are:
Penetrant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Penetrant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,725 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Penetrant Inspector Level 2

L3HHCM20

On-site

$33.14 - $57.32/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Penetrant Inspector Level 2

Job Code: 40663

Job Location: Canoga Park, CA

Job Schedule: 2nd Shift 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off (weekend overtime)

Job Description:

 

L3Harris is seeking an experienced Level 2 Penetrant Inspector to work at the Canoga Park Facility in California, which produces large and small propulsion components and systems for NASA, Military and Commercial contracts.

The Factory supports production across two shifts on a 9/80 schedule.  The Level 2 Penetrant Inspector is responsible for analyzing, interpreting penetrant testing results of materials, parts and weldments for compliance with required specifications and standards and for developing penetrant inspection techniques and standards.

 

Essential Functions:

 

  • Read and interpret information from planning documents, drawings and specifications, engineering orders, inspection procedures, material review reports and other source documents to establish the procedures and requirements needed to perform penetrant inspection of material, parts and weldments.
  • Develop work instructions from approved general procedures.
  • Be familiar with the codes, standards, specifications and other contractual documents that control the penetrant method. Have the skills and knowledge to conduct system performance checks in accordance with the applicable process standard.
  • Analyze, interpret and evaluate penetrant indications to determine acceptability of materials, parts and weldments.
  • Detect and identify defects affecting quality and safety factors such as cracks, inclusions, folds, cavities, undercuts, incomplete fusion and porosity.
  • Determine the acceptability of items having marginal defects and reject those that do not comply with required standards and specifications.
  • Record test results, findings and dispositions manually or with the aid of a computer or computer based system.
  • Reject items that do not meet acceptance criteria. Coordinate recurring defects with concerned engineering and vendor personnel and recommend corrective action measures.
  • Test and pass Level II certification in house.
  • Able to pass vision test requirements.

 

Qualifications:

 

  • High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of 400 hours of NDT/NDE experience.

 

Preferred Additional Skills:

 

  • Current certification as a Level 2 Penetrant Inspector, ASNT/NAS410 or equivalent.
  • Has held a POD Certification and experience working to Fracture Critical requirements.
  • Experience inspecting manual, automatic and Electron Beam welds.
  • Worked on Exotic materials and alloys.
  • Have a basic knowledge of product manufacturing and inspection technology.
  • Computer experience to include accessing on-line documents and information, working within the company business systems and Microsoft office.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California is $33.14/hr - $57.32/hr. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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