Department Manager, NDT

Overview

The NDT Department Manager is responsible for leading and growing the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) department in a fast-paced laboratory environment. This role provides operational, people, and business leadership to ensure inspection activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with aerospace, customer, and regulatory requirements. The position works in close partnership with the Level III to ensure technical compliance while driving high throughput, repeatable processes, and continuous improvement.

 

Salary: $90,000 - $130,000/yr DOE 

 

Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a growing NDT team, managing 10+ technical employees including supervisors and technicians

• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain qualified NDT personnel to support business growth

• Set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching and corrective guidance

• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-first culture

Operational & Business Management

• Oversee daily NDT laboratory operations to meet customer commitments, quality standards, and production targets

• Demonstrate strong business acumen, with direct responsibility or involvement in departmental P&L, budgeting, and cost control preferred

• Balance throughput, quality, and efficiency while maintaining compliant, repeatable processes

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce rework, improve turnaround time, and increase operational effectiveness

Technical & Compliance Oversight

• Partner closely with the Level III to ensure NDT methods, procedures, techniques, and certifications comply with applicable aerospace, customer, and regulatory requirements

• Ensure all NDT activities are performed in accordance with Level III–approved procedures and written practices

• Support the Responsible Level III in the development, review, and maintenance of NDT procedures and technical documentation

• Interpret and apply test specifications, engineering drawings, and technical documents in coordination with the Responsible Level III

• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits and ensure timely closure of findings

• Lead and support Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities to address nonconformances while maintaining high throughput

• Promote and enforce a strong safety-first culture across all NDT operations

Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a critical operational point of contact for internal teams and customers

• Communicate effectively to align priorities and resolve issues

• Deliver professional customer service and timely resolution of technical or operational concerns

 

Skills / Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or higher preferred

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT); 7+ years preferred

• Proven experience managing and scaling technical teams (5+ employees preferred)

• Demonstrated experience recruiting, developing, and managing technical staff

• Direct experience setting performance goals, conducting evaluations, and coaching employees

• Strong understanding of Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies and quality systems

• Ability to read and interpret test specifications, drawings, and technical documents

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

• Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills

• Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends when required

• Demonstrated commitment to safety and regulatory compliance

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Fast-paced, hands-on laboratory environment

• Regular exposure to industrial equipment, machinery, chemicals, and testing materials

• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, lab coats, and other safety gear

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds

• Work performed around mechanical and industrial equipment

• Team-oriented environment with a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than