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Penetrant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

... Dye Penetrant testing. * Strong communication and coordination skills for working with field inspection crews and preparing detailed quality control documentation. * Professional Engineer (PE ...

Bridge Engineer - Inspection

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

... Dye Penetrant testing. * Strong communication and coordination skills for working with field inspection crews and preparing detailed quality control documentation. * Professional Engineer (PE ...

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Penetrant information

What is a penetrant?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a penetrant inspector?

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Penetrant jobs in Washington?

For Penetrant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Penetrant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Penetrant jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Penetrant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Bridge Engineer - Inspection

GFT.

Fairfax, VA

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a Bridge Engineer - Inspection to join our Roadway practice in the Washington DC / Fairfax area! This role follows an on site work model, requiring regular attendance at our clients office (Carmen E. Turner (CTF) Maintenance and Training Facility in Landover, MD). You will be responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of WMATA's structural inspection program by performing quality control reviews of field inspections and inspection reports and operate under a GFT Task Manager.  

Working on the roadway team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature roadway projects here.  

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • Perform quality control reviews of structural inspection reports and witness field inspections to verify compliance with WMATA inspection standards and will report to the GFT Task Manager. 
  • Develop and maintain expertise in the WMATA Structures Inspection Manual and applicable inspection procedures. 
  • Conduct post-inspection quality control to ensure accurate, complete, and consistent inspection documentation. 
  • Provide technical guidance and best-practice recommendations to structural inspection personnel. 
  • Support continuous improvement of quality control processes. 
  • Prepare technical reports and recommendations to assist the Program Director, Maintenance, Engineering, and TAMO in prioritizing maintenance, repair, and renewal activities. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of the structural inspection program. 
What you will bring to our firm: 
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering. 
  • Experience performing quality control of inspections for bridges, tunnels, culverts, stations, retaining walls, shafts, fences, S&I pits, bus garages, parking garages, and other transportation structures. 
  • Experience with structural inspection testing, including selecting and recommending appropriate destructive and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, with familiarity using tools such as D-Meter and Dye Penetrant testing. 
  • Strong communication and coordination skills for working with field inspection crews and preparing detailed quality control documentation. 
  • Professional Engineer (PE) candidates must possess FHWA Bridge Inspection certification (NHI-130055 or NHI-130056) and FHWA NHI-130078 Fracture Critical NSTM Inspection Techniques certification. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) candidates must possess FHWA NHI-130055. 
What we prefer you bring: 
  • Registered Professional Engineer with at least three years of structural inspection and testing experience on major transit infrastructure. 
  • Knowledge of FHWA Tunnel Safety Inspection (NHI-130110), National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS), Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual, Specifications for the National Tunnel Inventory (SNTI), and National Certified Tunnel Inspector (NCTI) requirements. 
  • Experience performing bridge and tunnel inspections for WMATA. 
  • Experience developing maintenance and renewal recommendations to support structural asset management. 
  • OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training certification. 
Compensation:The salary range for this role is $115,000 - $125,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits:  Client site work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: Landover ; Washington DC ; FairfaxCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

Employment Type: FULL_TIME