NDE Level III, Specialist

Vast is currently seeking a Non-Destructive Evaluation PAUT Specialist, reporting to the Manager of NDE. The primary role of this position will be to support the development of systems necessary for the design and construction of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The team is dedicated to delivering high-quality products through rigorous inspection of our flight components, assemblies, systems, and structures. As an NDE Level III Specialist, you will have the opportunity for extensive exposure, as the organization handles a wide range of NDT methodologies and inspections across our various space programs.

This is a full-time exempt position, based at our Long Beach location. 

Key Responsibilities:

As the Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Level III, you will serve as both a technical leader and hands-on practitioner. You will be responsible for establishing and managing NDE capabilities while driving continuous improvement across inspection processes.

Program Leadership & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain NDE procedures and PAUT inspection techniques in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, and other relevant codes and customer specifications.
• Administer the company’s NDE program, including oversight of processes, procedures, personnel certification, and compliance with internal and external quality standards.
• Serve as the final authority on interpretation of NDE-related specifications and acceptability of test results.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure quality assurance compliance across all NDE functions.
• Interface with internal teams and external customers to clarify inspection requirements and resolve technical disputes.

Training, Certification & Team Support

• Develop, recommend, and lead training programs for Level I and Level II personnel in both classroom and shop floor settings.
• Mentor technicians on conventional UT, PAUT, VT, PT, MT, RT, and ET methods, emphasizing appropriate application and limitations of each.
• Oversee personnel qualification and certification per written practice.
• Ensure knowledge transfer of current methods and integration of emerging technologies.

Hands-On Inspection & Technical Execution

• Perform advanced inspections—including PAUT—as needed to support production, R&D, or urgent customer deliverables.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings and specifications to define inspection strategy and ensure manufacturing compliance.
• Evaluate and document inspection results; communicate findings clearly to Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.
• Troubleshoot and correct technical issues in inspection methods or interpretation, ensuring effective process flow.

Process Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Research, recommend, and implement new inspection tools, automation, and data systems to improve throughput and reduce cost.
• Drive strategic improvements in inspection techniques, data analysis, and system integration to enable next-generation manufacturing processes.
• Continuously evaluate existing NDE processes to ensure optimal inspection strategies are in use and scalable for growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align inspection capabilities with evolving product demands, ensuring appropriate methods are applied throughout the lifecycle.

Customer & Cross-Team Communication

• Act as the primary NDE liaison with customers, regulatory bodies, and vendors as needed.
• Participate in supplier visits and customer audits to support inspection deliverables and quality assurance.
• Provide regular updates on NDE project status, capability readiness, and program risks to stakeholders.
• Advise management on innovations and developments that impact cost, schedule, quality, or customer satisfaction.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• NDT level II certification inline with ASNT TC-1A/NAS-410 guidance in penetrant testing (PT)
• NDT level II certification inline with ASNT-TC-1A/NAS-410 guidance in eddy current testing (ET)
• NDT level II certification inline with ASNT-TC-1A/NAS-410 guidance in ultrasonic testing (UT), including phased array ultrasonic (PAUT)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience as a NDT Level II Technician/Inspector
• Knowledge of basic Standards such as; AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, ASTM
• Knowledge of UTEX InspectionWare software or equivalent
• Operational experience of utilizing PAUT systems for the inspection of weldments
• Knowledge of Olympus Tomoview software
• Hands on experience using portable digital equipment such as Olympus EPOCH 600
• Knowledge of Uniwest/Nortec eddy current machines or equivalent

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted