Senior Pressure Systems & NDT Specialist

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

The Facilities and Logistics Operations Division (6400) oversees the physical development, maintenance, and safe operation of the Laboratory’s infrastructure to enable advanced workplaces, resilient systems, and uninterrupted mission support. Within this division, the Facilities Operations Section (642) is seeking a Senior Pressure Systems & NDT Specialist for the Pressure Systems & Cryogenic Engineering Services Group (642C).

The Pressure Systems & Cryogenic Engineering Services Group provides laboratory-wide expertise in the certification and management of pressure vessels and cryogenic services. We ensure the reliability and safety of systems critical to JPL’s missions by offering end-to-end support—from initial design review and documentation to ongoing inspections and testing.

Reporting to the Group Supervisor, you will coordinate with NASA and external agencies on ground-based pressure safety initiatives. You will serve as a technical advisor on the interpretation and execution of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes and API standards for in-service inspections.

Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

• Coordinate projects within JPL organizations, NASA and other agencies and external organizations on ground-based pressure safety issues.

• Provide input on interpretation, application and execution of ASME boiler pressure vessel code and API for in-service inspections.

• Be responsible for training, examining, certifying, and monitoring nondestructive testing (NDT) personnel to ensure compliance with company, contractual, and regulatory requirements.

• Provide technical oversight of NDT programs, approve procedures and workmanship standards, and ensures the integrity and effectiveness of inspection operations.

• Be responsibility for direct reports Qualifications & Certifications related to the NDT program. These responsibilities may be further delegated to other Level III personnel in the organization, including external Level III consultants.

• Interface with management and JPL project stakeholders, internal & external organizations.

Required Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science with a minimum of 6 years of related experience or a master's degree in a similar discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience or a PhD in a similar discipline with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.

• Understanding and wide application of developing, qualifying, and approving procedures; establishing and approving techniques; interpreting codes, standards, specifications, and procedures; and designating the NDT methods, techniques, and procedures to be used.

• Experience leading NDT operations, qualified and assigned personnel, capable of interpreting and evaluating results in terms of existing codes, standards, and specifications.

• Sufficient practical background in applicable NDT materials, pressure system fabrication, pressure system service (in-service), and product technology to establish techniques, and to assist in establishing acceptance criteria when none are otherwise available.

• General familiarity with other appropriate NDT methods, as demonstrated by an ASNT Level III Basic examination or other means.

• Sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be capable of training and examining NDT Level I, II, and III personnel for certification in those methods.

• Demonstrated ability to interact with peers and/or functional partners within the organization, as well as customers external to JPL.

• Ability to follow required policies, procedures and practices under ASNT NDE Level III certification on the following methods: Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

• American Welding Society AWS CWI welding inspector certification.

• Proven ability to work on assignments without appreciable direction, exercising latitude in determining objectives and independent judgment in evaluating complex and unusual problems.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to report out on project status and advise/consult with management on technical issues.

• Willing to work overtime, some travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Wide-ranging experience and advanced knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• Engineering and Fabrication of Pressure Vessels, Welding requirements and general pipeline/Pressure Vessel Safety.

• Radiographic Testing level II certified. Skilled in UT shear wave and Phase array testing for detection and sizing of flaws on welds and engineered materials.

• Performing/participating in pressure system and/or NDT audits

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.