NDT Inspector

Salary Range: 34 to 40 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-hour-wage)

Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet. 

Machina Labs is changing that. We build intelligent, software-defined factories that produce complex metal structures directly from digital design. By integrating advanced metal forming, robotics, and automated production inside a flexible factory architecture, we enable customers to move from prototype to production in weeks, not years. 

Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we're building the manufacturing infrastructure that defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility programs will run on. 

If you want to work on hard problems that matter and see them fly, drive, and defend, this is the place. 

Role Overview:

Machina Labs is seeking an NDT Inspector to perform in-house nondestructive testing for high-precision, flight-critical components.

This role operates as a hands-on individual contributor on the production floor, responsible for performing penetrant inspections, maintaining process control records, and making accept or reject decisions in accordance with drawing requirements. You will work under the technical direction of Machina Labs’ NDT leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and execute penetrant inspection of production, first article, and reworked hardware to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.

• Perform and record all required process control checks on the penetrant line, including system performance, black light and ambient white light intensity, material condition and concentration, and reference panel verification.

• Interpret and evaluate indications, classify them as relevant or non-relevant, and make accept or reject decisions against drawing acceptance criteria.

• Maintain accurate, audit-ready inspection and process control records within Machina’s Manufacturing Execution System.

• Identify, document, and support resolution of nonconformances, including MRB participation and corrective action follow-through.

• Ensure equipment and measurement system integrity, including calibration tracking and removal of out-of-tolerance equipment from service.

• Support qualification and approval of the penetrant process, including capability demonstrations, customer source approval, and readiness for Nadcap accreditation.

• Act as a subject matter expert in nondestructive testing, supporting standardization and best practices across the shop floor.

• Mentor and support trainee personnel, reinforcing quality standards and inspection discipline.

 
*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Certified, or certifiable, to NAS 410 Level II in liquid penetrant testing (PT). Applicants currently certified in another method, or certified under an earlier NAS 410 revision, SNT-TC-1A, CP-189, or EN 4179, are encouraged to apply. Training, experience, and examination records will be evaluated for equivalency and any gap closed through our training program.

• 2+ years of hands-on nondestructive testing experience in aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing.

• Documented formal training hours and on-the-job experience hours supporting Level II qualification in the method or methods held.

• Meets NAS 410 vision requirements, verified annually: near-vision acuity and demonstrated color and contrast differentiation.

• Working knowledge of ASTM E1417 and AMS 2644.

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, drawing notes, weld symbols, and aerospace customer specifications.

• Working knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102 (FAI requirements).

• Experience with MES/ERP systems for inspection documentation and traceability.

• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English, perform basic shop math, and use standard computer applications.

• Must meet U.S. export control (ITAR) requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) per AWS QC1.

• NAS 410 Level II qualification in additional methods (UT, RT, MT, or ET).

• Experience supporting Nadcap NDT accreditation, including audit preparation and closure of findings.

• Experience inspecting aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium weldments.

• Familiarity with structured problem solving (8D, practical problem solving) and lean practices (5S, kaizen).

Work Environment:

• Onsite role based in Chatsworth, CA.

• Shop environment with exposure to active manufacturing conditions.

• Work in a darkened inspection booth with ultraviolet (UV-A) light sources and fluorescent penetrant materials.

• Handling of chemicals including penetrants, solvents, and developers, with required personal protective equipment.

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive inspection tasks.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and to move heavier parts using hoists, carts, or other handling equipment.

• Flexibility to support extended hours or weekends as needed.