How to hire a non-destructive testing inspector

How to hire a non-destructive testing inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step non-destructive testing inspector hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a non-destructive testing inspector job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new non-destructive testing inspector
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a non-destructive testing inspector, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A non-destructive testing inspector's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, non-destructive testing inspectors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of non-destructive testing inspector salaries for various roles:

   Type of Non-Destructive Testing Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Non-Destructive Testing Inspector	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$13-33
   Inspector General	An inspector general is responsible for doing audit reports and inspections to ensure that no possible fraud, misconduct, corruption, or power abuse in the government or private sector occurs. Their role is to monitor and inspect the agencies' effectiveness, assess possible mismanagement of a company, and improve the economy... Show more	$14-35
   Quality Assurance Inspector	Quality Assurance Auditors are employees who ensure the adherence of other employees to company processes and guidelines. They are expected to be experts on quality assurance processes and procedures... Show more	$12-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • NDT
   • Magnetic Particle
   • Destructive Testing
   • Test Results
   • Test Equipment
   • Liquid Penetrant
   • NAS
   • Inspection Results
   • Inspection Methods
   • Ultrasonic Inspection
   • NDI
   • Inspection Techniques
   • Level III
   • Support Equipment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Motivate and lead team in inspections to accomplish NDT goals set by the company.
   • Verify material certifications for compliance to AWS standards.
   • Conduct flight line and back shop support of NDI inspections.
   • Identify and locate structural defects of aircraft with ultrasound and x-ray methods.
   • Maintain and inspect all NDI equipment used to perform nondestructive inspection C-5A engine.
   • Assist maintenance with NDT inspections after repairs or rework areas and applicable service bulletins.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your non-destructive testing inspector job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A non-destructive testing inspector salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, non-destructive testing inspectors' average salary in south dakota is 49% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level non-destructive testing inspectors earn 59% less than senior-level non-destructive testing inspectors.
   • Certifications. A non-destructive testing inspector with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a non-destructive testing inspector's salary.

   Average non-destructive testing inspector salary

   $45,881yearly

   $22.06 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level non-destructive testing inspector salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a non-destructive testing inspector job description

   A good non-destructive testing inspector job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a non-destructive testing inspector job description:

   Non-destructive testing inspector job description example

   * Ensures the functional and acceptable status of the non-destructive test equipment in accordance with the appropriate company process.
   
   * Determines the acceptance of parts and components for surface condition in preparation for the non-destructive test process.
   
   * Performs the specific non-destructive test process as identified in the shop order work instruction.
   * Processes the part(s) in accordance with the appropriate company process.
   * Inspects and interprets the test results.
   * Marks all unacceptable discontinuities for location and dimension.
   * Documents the completion and test results of non-destructive test process.
   * Ensures parts are cleaned following completion of NDT process and in acceptable condition for further processing.
   * Performs equipment and material maintenance checks in accordance with the appropriate company process.
   * Maintains records of all maintenance performed on the non-destructive test equipment and materials.
   * Liaisons with engineering, inspection and other personnel as required to assist in researching and solving non-destructive test process problems.
   * Maintains personal qualifications as stated in the appropriate company process.
   * Participates in continuous improvement of cell processes.
   * Cross trains in other complementary skills and seeks endorsements for those skills as needed to support production requirements.
   * Moves between production assignments that utilize multiple skills endorsements as needed to support production requirements.
   * Participates in the cross training of other technicians as needed to support production requirements.
   * Responsible for observing all applicable safety requirements and reporting immediately any unsafe practices/conditions.
   * Carries out other duties as assigned.
   Position Requirements:
   * Knowledgeable in and understanding of inherent and non-inherent discontinuities found in materials.
   * Knowledgeable in the requirements and methods of handling materials processed at Standard Aero.
   * Knowledgeable in the Workplace Health & Safety requirements.
   * Ability to attain the internal non-destructive test process approval.
   * Proficient in technical writing.
   * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (unassisted) for approximately 25% of the average work day.
   * Regularly required to sit and stand for prolonged periods.
   * Working knowledge of production management computer system and other related internal control systems.
   * Level II certification required
   *Must be an U.S. Citizen

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find non-destructive testing inspectors for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any non-destructive testing inspectors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level non-destructive testing inspectors with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your non-destructive testing inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit non-destructive testing inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with non-destructive testing inspector candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new non-destructive testing inspector

   Once you've found the non-destructive testing inspector candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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