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Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician Jobs in Spring Grove, IL

From the wheels of NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover to mission critical components for nuclear ... Concurrent engineering with peers, other internal technical disciplines, technicians and vendors

Electrical Engineer

Spring Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

From the wheels of NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover to mission critical components for nuclear ... Concurrent engineering with peers, other internal technical disciplines, technicians and vendors

Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician information

See Spring Grove, IL salary details

$50.2K

$88.1K

$144.1K

How much do trainee nuclear instrumentation technician jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee nuclear instrumentation technician in Spring Grove, IL is $88,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,800.00 and $100,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trainee nuclear instrumentation technician do?

A Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician assists in the maintenance, calibration, and repair of instrumentation and control systems used in nuclear power plants or research facilities. They work under the supervision of experienced technicians and engineers to ensure that all monitoring and safety equipment operates correctly. Their tasks typically include performing routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and learning to interpret technical documentation. Over time, they gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge to progress to more advanced roles.

What types of training and on-the-job learning can a trainee nuclear instrumentation technician expect during their first year?

As a Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician, you can expect a structured blend of classroom instruction and hands-on training during your first year. You'll learn safety protocols, nuclear industry standards, and how to maintain and calibrate sensitive instrumentation equipment. Much of your learning will occur under the supervision of experienced technicians, allowing you to gradually take on more complex tasks as your understanding grows. Regular assessments and mentorship are common, helping you build the technical and teamwork skills essential for success and advancement in this highly regulated field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee nuclear instrumentation technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician, you need a background in electronics or instrumentation, a relevant technical diploma or associate degree, and strong problem-solving skills. Familiarity with calibration tools, radiation detection instruments, and safety systems, as well as certifications like HAZMAT or radiation safety training, are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a commitment to safety are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate monitoring, safe operation, and regulatory compliance in sensitive nuclear environments.

What is the difference between Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician vs Nuclear Instrumentation Technician?

AspectTrainee Nuclear Instrumentation TechnicianNuclear Instrumentation Technician
CertificationsEntry-level certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, supervised settingsOperational nuclear plants, maintenance facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with instrumentation tasks, learning proceduresMaintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting instrumentation systems

The Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician is an entry-level role focused on learning and assisting under supervision, while the Nuclear Instrumentation Technician is a fully qualified professional responsible for maintaining instrumentation systems in nuclear facilities.

What cities near Spring Grove, IL are hiring for Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician jobs?

Cities near Spring Grove, IL with the most Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Nuclear Instrumentation Technician job openings in Spring Grove, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,070 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Manufacturing Engineer

SCOT FORGE

Spring Grove, IL • On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Scot Forge rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary:

The Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Engineer is responsible for supporting, developing, and improving non-destructive inspection processes across Scot Forge operations. This position combines engineering problem solving and NDE technical processes to ensure product quality, compliance with customer and industry requirements, and continuous improvement of inspection methods. The NDE Engineer partners closely with NDE Level II/III personnel, Quality, Process Engineering, Metallurgy, and Production teams to troubleshoot issues, improve technology and drive continuous improvement in our NDE processes.


Company Background:

Scot Forge is a 130 year old, 100% employee-owned company that manufactures custom open die and rolled ring forgings. At Scot Forge, we help our customers with forged solutions from the world's physical infrastructure, energy, and transportation to manufacturing, mining, and our national defense. From the wheels of NASA’s Curiosity Mars Rover to mission critical components for nuclear submarines, to large hydraulic cylinders for the largest mining trucks on the planet, Scot Forge creates the precision forged metal parts used in demanding applications all over the world.


Hours and Location:

7AM - 5PM Monday - Friday

100% onsite at the Spring Grove, IL manufacturing location


Essential Position Responsibilities:

  • Support manufacturing and inspection with a disciplined approach to problem solving (e.g., 8D/root cause, fishbone, 6S, basic data analysis) in product launches, rework, and continuous improvement.
  • Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining NDE procedures, technique sheets, and work instructions in alignment with applicable customer/industry requirements and Scot Forge written practices.
  • Design and support the manufacturing of ultrasonic testing standards.
  • Support existing NDE technology including magnetic particle, ultrasonic, dye penetrant and radiographic inspection.
  • Participate in evaluation and implementation of new NDE systems/technology (e.g., improved UT methods, phased array, immersion, robotics, etc.) including validation, documentation, and training support. Maintain external relationships and research on technology advancements.
  • Design solutions to help improve safety and ergonomics with NDE inspections
  • Assist with NDE equipment readiness: set-up support, routine verification, calibration coordination, and maintenance of required records, including UT reference standards when applicable.
  • Support review of shop orders, specifications, and production prints to determine appropriate NDE methods, acceptance criteria, and inspection parameters.
  • Collect, analyze, and trend inspection and nonconformance data to identify systemic issues and prioritize improvement opportunities.
  • Provide technical support to NDE technicians and cross-functional partners (Sales, Process Engineering, Metallurgy, Production) regarding requirements, inspection execution, and process improvements.
  • Assist in training, coaching, and evaluating NDE trainees and Level I/II personnel as directed by Level III leadership. Help audit work to ensure consistent technique application.
  • Help develop and maintain productivity/quality metrics for NDE activities and support actions that improve throughput, quality, and cost.
  • Support internal and customer audits related to NDE personnel qualification records, equipment calibration, methods, and documentation.
  • Actively participate in safety and 6S efforts; follow policies, programs, and procedures to promote a safe and healthy work environment.
  • Work across plants and shifts as required to support projects and production needs.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering
  • 2-5 years of relevant experience through internships, co-ops, or prior manufacturing/NDT experience.
  • Fundamental understanding of NDE methods and applications (UT, MT, PT; familiarity with additional methods is a plus).
  • Ability and willingness to qualify/certify under employer-based or third-party NDT certification programs (e.g., ASNT SNT-TC-1A or ISO 9712) as required for assigned work.
  • Ability to create solid models, Solidworks Preferred, and to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and acceptance criteria.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to create clear technical documentation (procedures, work instructions, technique sheets, reports).

Desired Skills:

  • Prior hands-on experience with NDE equipment or labs (ultrasonic flaw detection/thickness, magnetic particle, penetrant) and/or relevant coursework.
  • ASNT Level II (or progress toward Level II) in UT, MT, and/or PT; exposure to NAS-410 is a plus.
  • Experience with continuous improvement methods (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma) and basic statistical/data trending tools.
  • Familiarity with forging or metals manufacturing processes and the effect of processing on inspection outcomes.
  • Experience inspection/reporting software.
  • Experience working with ERP/MRP and quality systems.
  • Familiarity with robotics is a plus.

Additional Information:

  • Scot Forge requires all employees to work 100% onsite.
  • This position is primarily located in our Spring Grove, IL facility with occasional travel to plants in other locations as required (Franklin Park, IL and Clinton, WI).
  • Other duties as assigned
  • Must be authorized to work anywhere in the U.S. without sponsorship
  • Must be able to pass a 90 day head hair drug test today.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Position requires a mixture of working in office and occasionally working in production areas while forklifts, overhead cranes and related equipment are in use. On occasion while performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to heat and cold weather conditions as well as wet and/or humid conditions. Production environment may expose individual to excessive loud noise. When in the area of production, appropriate PPE is mandatory.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.


The estimated pay range for this position is the lowest and highest range we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We ultimately may pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. The actual base pay offered to a candidate will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant skills, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, seniority, geographic location and prevailing minimum wage, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs.


We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Vision, Dental, Hearing, Life (Basic & AD&D), Disability (STD & LTD), 401K Plan with match, Profit Sharing, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Tax Savings (FSA & HAS), Vacation Time, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.


Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, or any other form of compensation for any particular employee remains in the Company’s sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.


Scot Forge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.


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