Lead Engineer - NDT Level III (Eddy Current Testing)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Process Engineer - NDT Level III to provide technical leadership for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and special processes within a highly regulated engineering and component repair environment.

The successful candidate will serve as a technical authority for NDT activities, with particular emphasis on Eddy Current Testing (ET/ECT). You will be responsible for developing, qualifying, implementing and continuously improving inspection processes while supporting manufacturing and repair operations.

This position is suited to an experienced NDT professional who combines strong hands-on technical knowledge with process ownership, troubleshooting, quality compliance and the ability to train and develop NDT personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for assigned NDT Level III activities, with a strong focus on Eddy Current Testing (ET/ECT).
• Develop, qualify, review, approve and continuously improve NDT procedures, techniques and inspection processes.
• Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support for complex inspection issues arising during component repair and manufacturing operations.
• Support NDT methods including Eddy Current Testing (ET/ECT), Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI/PT), Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI/MT), Ultrasonic Inspection (UT/UI) and Visual Inspection (VT).
• Establish appropriate inspection parameters, acceptance criteria and process controls in accordance with applicable engineering specifications, codes and standards.
• Lead process qualification and validation activities to ensure NDT methods are technically robust, repeatable and suitable for production use.
• Support the qualification, training and technical development of NDT Level I and Level II personnel in accordance with applicable written practices and certification requirements.
• Conduct technical assessments, process audits and compliance reviews to ensure NDT activities are performed according to approved procedures and quality requirements.
• Lead investigations into NDT-related defects, process deviations and inspection failures using structured root cause analysis methodologies.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve process capability and prevent recurrence of quality issues.
• Identify opportunities to introduce new inspection technologies, equipment, automation and improved NDT techniques.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations and other stakeholders to resolve technical issues and improve production performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, safety, cost, productivity, repair yield and delivery performance.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, inspection procedures, qualification records and other required process documentation.
• Provide technical guidance to internal teams, suppliers and other stakeholders on NDT requirements and inspection methodology.
• Support additional special processes and surface treatment activities where required, including shot peening, chemical stripping and grit blasting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or another relevant technical discipline from a recognised university.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience within NDT, engineering, quality, special processes, manufacturing or component repair.
• Current NDT Level III certification in Eddy Current Testing (ET/ECT) is essential.
• Strong practical knowledge of Eddy Current inspection techniques, equipment, procedure development and defect evaluation.
• Experience developing, qualifying, implementing or improving NDT processes within a manufacturing, MRO, repair or industrial environment.
• Good understanding of other NDT methods such as FPI/PT, MPI/MT, UT and Visual Inspection.
• Experience working within a gas turbine, aerospace, aviation MRO, component repair or similarly highly regulated engineering environment is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in NDT procedure preparation, technical review, qualification and process control.
• Experience training, coaching, qualifying or providing technical oversight to NDT Level I and Level II personnel.
• Strong understanding of applicable NDT standards, codes, specifications, quality systems and compliance requirements.
• Experience conducting technical audits, process assessments and root cause investigations.
• Strong troubleshooting capability with the ability to analyse inspection results and resolve complex technical problems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, technical procedures and inspection requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Quality and Operations teams.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with any of the following experience will be advantageous:

• Gas turbine component inspection or repair.
• Aerospace engine or aviation MRO.
• Turbine blades, vanes, nozzles, combustors or other high-value engineered components.
• Advanced Eddy Current inspection techniques.
• NDT process industrialisation and technology implementation.
• Process qualification and validation.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA), CAPA, FMEA or other structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Quality management and process control systems.
• Surface treatment or special processes such as shot peening, chemical stripping and grit blasting.
• Continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate is more than an experienced NDT inspector. You should be capable of operating at Level III technical authority / process engineering level, taking ownership of inspection processes from procedure development and qualification through to production implementation and continuous improvement.

You should be comfortable investigating complex technical problems, challenging existing processes, supporting production teams and developing the technical capability of junior NDT personnel.

Why Join

• Work on complex, high-value engineered components within an advanced repair and manufacturing environment.
• Take technical ownership of critical NDT and inspection processes.
• Develop and implement advanced inspection technologies and process improvements.
• Work closely with experienced engineering, quality and operations professionals.
• Build deeper expertise in NDT, special processes and component repair engineering.
• Contribute directly to improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost and delivery performance.

Suitable Backgrounds

Candidates may come from industries including:

Gas Turbine Services | Aerospace | Aviation MRO | Aero Engine Repair | Power Generation | Precision Engineering | Advanced Manufacturing | Component Repair | Oil & Gas | Petrochemical | Marine & Offshore