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Penetrant Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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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We are looking for a Level II NDT PENETRANT INSPECTOR that can start working right away. The Inspector will be responsible for inspecting parts for defects as per our internal penetrant procedures.

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We are seeking an Fluorescent Penetrant Inspector/Trainee to join our Day Shift (7am - 3:30pm) team! You will conduct tests to determine the quality of materials and finished products as well as ...

Description The NDT Level II Inspector is responsible for conducting the Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) and Magnetic Particle (MPI) on product to ensure that physical properties meet product ...

NDT Level II Inspector

IL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

The NDT Level II Inspector is responsible for conducting the Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) and Magnetic Particle (MPI) on product to ensure that physical properties meet product specifications ...

NDT Level II Inspector

Rockford, IL · On-site

$19 - $30/hr

Job Type Full-time Description The NDT Level II Inspector is responsible for conducting the Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) and Magnetic Particle (MPI) on product to ensure that physical properties ...

The NDT Level II Inspector is responsible for conducting the Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) and Magnetic Particle (MPI) on product to ensure that physical properties meet product specifications ...

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Penetrant Inspector information

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How much do penetrant inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetrant inspector in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 a solid understanding of non-destructive testing (NDT) principles, attention to detail, and typically a certification such as ASNT Level I or II in liquid penetrant testing. Familiarity with NDT equipment, penetrant materials, and industry standards like ASTM E165 is important for accurate inspections. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and integrity help ensure thorough documentation and collaboration with quality teams. These skills ensure the reliability and safety of inspected components, helping prevent failures and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

What are Penetrant Inspectors?

Penetrant Inspectors are professionals who use liquid penetrant testing (LPT), a nondestructive testing (NDT) method, to detect surface-breaking defects in materials such as metals, ceramics, and plastics. They apply a visible or fluorescent dye to the surface of a material, allow it to seep into cracks or flaws, then remove the excess and apply a developer to draw out the dye trapped in defects. This process helps identify issues like cracks, seams, or porosity that could affect the integrity or performance of the material. Penetrant Inspectors are essential in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, where safety and reliability are critical.

What is the difference between Penetrant Inspector vs Magnetic Particle Inspector?

AspectPenetrant InspectorMagnetic Particle Inspector
CertificationsLevel I, II, III in liquid penetrant testingLevel I, II, III in magnetic particle testing
Work EnvironmentNon-magnetic materials, surface inspectionsMagnetic materials, surface and near-surface inspections
Industry UsageAerospace, automotive, manufacturingPower generation, aerospace, manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for nondestructive testing methodsRelated NDT method for magnetic materials

Penetrant Inspectors and Magnetic Particle Inspectors both perform nondestructive testing but focus on different materials and techniques. Penetrant Inspectors examine non-magnetic surfaces using liquid penetrants, while Magnetic Particle Inspectors work with magnetic materials using magnetic fields. Both roles require specific certifications and are vital in quality assurance across various industries.

What are some common challenges faced by Penetrant Inspectors during inspections, and how can they be addressed?

Penetrant Inspectors often face challenges such as detecting very fine surface defects, ensuring proper cleaning of parts before and after inspection, and working with varying part geometries that can affect penetrant application. To address these, inspectors must follow strict adherence to standardized procedures, maintain meticulous attention to detail, and continuously update their knowledge through training. Collaboration with other quality assurance team members and effective communication with engineers can also help resolve ambiguities and improve inspection accuracy.
More about Penetrant Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Penetrant Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Penetrant Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Penetrant Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Penetrant Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Penetrant Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

$33.14 - $57.32/hr

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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 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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