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Penetrant Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advance has an immediate opening for a Level I, II, & III Non-Destructive Testing Inspector in Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI), Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), or Visual Testing (VT)

Performs magnetic particle, liquid penetrant inspection, and visual inspection activities on various equipment to company, customer, or regulatory requirements. Performs testing and certification of ...

Performs magnetic particle, liquid penetrant inspection, and visual inspection activities on various equipment to company, customer, or regulatory requirements. Performs testing and certification of ...

Performs magnetic particle, liquid penetrant inspection, and visual inspection activities on various equipment to company, customer, or regulatory requirements. Performs testing and certification of ...

Performs magnetic particle, liquid penetrant inspection, and visual inspection activities on various equipment to company, customer, or regulatory requirements. Performs testing and certification of ...

Performs magnetic particle, liquid penetrant inspection, and visual inspection activities on various equipment to company, customer, or regulatory requirements. Performs testing and certification of ...

Process parts through the penetrant inspection line following established work instructions. * Ensure traceability of parts and maintain accurate production documentation. * Verify parts meet ...

Performs magnetic particle, liquid penetrant inspection, and visual inspection activities on various equipment to company, customer, or regulatory requirements. Performs testing and certification of ...

Performs magnetic particle, liquid penetrant inspection, and visual inspection activities on various equipment to company, customer, or regulatory requirements. Performs testing and certification of ...

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Penetrant Inspector information

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$12

$27

$52

How much do penetrant inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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 is a penetrant inspector?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a penetrant inspector?

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 common challenges faced by penetrant inspectors 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.

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

NDT Inspector (Level II PT) - Quality Technician

Onyx Specialty Processing

Decatur, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

About Onyx Specialty Processing
Onyx Specialty Processing is a specialty surface finishing company in Decatur, Texas, serving the aerospace and defense industries. Our capabilities include Anodize (Type I, II, and III), Chromate Conversion Coating (Chem Film Type I and II), Passivation, Paint, NDT and related processes - performed to strict MIL-SPEC and AMS standards in a NADCAP-accredited environment. Quality is not a department at Onyx - it is the foundation of everything we do.
Position Overview
The NDT Inspector (Level II - Penetrant) is responsible for performing fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) on aerospace components in accordance with NAS 410 and applicable customer and industry specifications (ASTM E1417, Nadcap, and prime-specific requirements). This is a hands-on, technically focused position where NDT inspection is the primary function. In addition to PT inspection duties, this role supports broader quality operations across the facility, such as in-process and final inspection activities as needed to support quality compliance and/or chemical analysis and titrations. As part of the QC team, the NDT Inspector works collaboratively with fellow inspectors and quality staff to balance workloads, prioritize jobs, and collectively drive key performance indicators and overall plant quality performance. The ideal candidate is a current Level II PT-certified inspector with meticulous attention to detail and working knowledge of aerospace quality standards; chemistry aptitude is a plus. This role reports directly to the QC Manager and does not have direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
NDT - Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (PT)
  • Perform fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) on aerospace components as an NDT Level II certified inspector in accordance with NAS 410, customer specifications, and applicable process instructions.
  • Set up, operate, and maintain PT inspection equipment and the penetrant line, ensuring system parameters (dwell time, emulsification, wash, developer, UV intensity, ambient light) are within specification before and during inspections.
  • Evaluate, interpret, and disposition inspection indications per applicable acceptance criteria; document all findings accurately on inspection records.
  • Identify and segregate non-conforming parts; communicate rejections clearly to production and the Quality Manager.
  • Maintain PT system logs, equipment calibration records, and process control documentation in compliance with NADCAP and customer requirements.
  • Support periodic system performance checks (PSC/TPC) and participate in NADCAP audit preparation and responses.

Inspection & Quality Documentation
  • Conduct visual and dimensional inspections on processed parts to verify compliance with customer drawings, specifications, and work order requirements.
  • Assist with hardness testing, conductivity testing, coating thickness measurement, and other quality assessments as directed.
  • Generate clear, accurate inspection reports and communicate findings to the Quality Manager in a timely manner.
  • Maintain organized and compliant records of all inspection and testing activities to support traceability requirements.

Chemical Analysis & Process Bath Monitoring
  • Perform titrations and chemical analyses on process baths across anodize, chem film, passivation, and related finishing lines to verify bath chemistry is within specified limits.
  • Record all analytical results accurately in bath logs and process control documentation; flag out-of-specification conditions to the Technician Supervisor and Quality Manager immediately.
  • Prepare and standardize titration solutions; maintain chemical analysis supplies, reagents, and calibrated laboratory equipment in proper working order.
  • Track bath chemistry trends over time and assist in identifying drift or deterioration before process non-conformances occur.
  • Support chemist and process technician teams in maintaining process control within established parameters.

Process Compliance & Continuous Improvement
  • Monitor and enforce adherence to established quality control processes and procedures on the production floor.
  • Collaborate with production teams to identify and resolve deviations from quality standards promptly.
  • Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives as directed by the Quality Manager.
  • Assist in training production personnel on quality control processes, proper part handling, and inspection techniques.
  • Support internal and external audits including NADCAP, customer source inspections, and internal surveillance audits.

Requirements
Qualifications
Required
  • Must be a U.S. citizen (required for aerospace compliance).
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Active NDT Level II certification in Penetrant Testing (PT) per NAS 410 or equivalent (ASNT SNT-TC-1A).
  • Minimum 2 years of experience performing PT inspection in an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work orders, and process travelers.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
  • Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Preferred
  • Experience performing chemical analysis and titrations in a laboratory or manufacturing process control center.
  • Experience in aerospace surface finishing (anodize, chem film, passivation, or plating) processes.
  • Familiarity with MIL-SPEC and AMS specifications relevant to surface finishing (e.g., MIL-A-8625, MIL-DTL-5541, AMS 2700).
  • Experience working within a NADCAP-accredited quality system.
  • Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems for work order tracking and quality documentation.

Skills
  • Level II PT certification (NAS 410) with the ability to perform and interpret fluorescent penetrant inspections per specification
  • Disciplined adherence to written instructions, drawings, work instructions, and procedures without shortcuts
  • Meticulous attention to detail across repetitive tasks - the hundredth part inspected with the same care as the first
  • Personal integrity and accountability; does the job correctly every time and raises concerns when something doesn't look right
  • Clear, prompt communication of findings and non-conformances to production and quality leadership
  • Strong organizational habits and the ability to manage tasks independently with minimal supervision
  • Aptitude for learning new technical procedures (bath chemistry, lab instrumentation, additional inspection methods) once trained
  • Comfort maintaining traceable, audit-ready quality records

Benefits
  • 401(k) with 4% Company Match
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)