Nondestructive Test Inspector IV 1st Shift
Joby Aviation • California, United States
Salary: $47 - $63 / hour
Role & seniority: NDT Method Level 3 (senior technical lead on quality/inspection for a certificating aircraft program)
Stack/tools: NDT methods: UT, CT, ET, PT; PAUT experience; manual inspections on carbon composites, bonded structures, metals; data integration with PLM/MES; equipment calibration and supplier collaboration
Top 3 responsibilities
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Direct hands-on NDT inspections on production parts and prototypes; maintain proficiency in assigned methods
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Develop, validate, and document NDT techniques and setup parameters; author and approve procedures and work instructions
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Collaborate with design engineering, testing, and QA; oversee training, certification, and qualification of inspectors; support audits (Nadcap/FAA)
Must-have skills
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Current NAS 410 Level 3 certification in at least one method (UT, CT, ET, PT)
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5+ years of hands-on NDT experience with composite and/or metallic structures
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Deep understanding of processing defects; ability to interpret complex inspection data; capable of manual inspections on a production floor
Nice-to-haves
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BS in a technology/engineering discipline
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4+ years applying NDT to laminated advanced composites and 3D-printed metals
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Level 3 in multiple methods; PAUT and CT experience
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Location & work type: On-site, manufacturing environments in the US (and planned Dubai launch); full-time role with production floor presence and potential travel as needed
Full Description
Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service. Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a highly organized, passionate individual to join our quality assurance team as an NDT Method Level 3. As we are building and certifying an advanced composite airframe that also includes additively manufactured parts, this position is responsible for inspecting carbon composite, bonded structures, metallics, and other advanced structures using ultrasonic, digital radiography, liquid penetrant, or other state-of-the-art methods. Unlike a purely administrative role, this is a hands-on technical position; the Method Level 3 is expected to spend significant time on the shop floor performing inspections by hand while simultaneously providing the high-level oversight required of their certification. This is an opportunity to participate in developing a complete system including influencing structural design, fabrication methods, and operational support of a new aircraft. Responsibilities
Direct Inspection: Perform hands-on NDT inspections on production parts and prototypes in accordance with written procedures; maintain proficiency by regularly executing inspections in [Method(s)].
Technique Development: Develop, validate, and document NDT techniques and setup parameters for complex composite, 3D metallic, and polymer printed structures.
Procedure Authorship: Draft, technical-edit, and approve NDT procedures and Work Instructions, ensuring they are optimized for both compliance and practical floor execution.
Collaboration: Work with design engineering, testing, and QA teams to create robust inspection processes that have the right level of resolution for the application and acceptable process throughput.
Problem Solving: Act as the primary floor-level resource for interpreting difficult indications and resolving technical challenges that arise during serial production.
Training & Certification: Provide practical, hands-on training and mentorship to Level I and II inspectors; oversee the qualification and certification process for departmental personnel.
Equipment Oversight: Assist in sourcing inspection equipment and work with suppliers to build inspection capability; perform and oversee periodic equipment calibrations and system performance checks.
Quality Systems: Implement business processes to integrate QA data with the PLM/MES systems to capture inspection results and test reports against design data.
Audit Support: Serve as the technical subject matter expert during internal and external audits (e.g., Nadcap, FAA), including the physical demonstration of NDT methods. Required
Certification: Current Level 3 certification meeting NAS 410 requirements in at least one method (UT, CT, ET or PT).
High-Level Proficiency: Minimum 5+ years of experience in nondestructive testing, with a strong emphasis on manual, hands-on inspection.
Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of composite or metallic processing defects and the ability to interpret complex inspection data.
Physical Capability: Ability to perform manual inspections in a production environment, including the physical dexterity required for transducer manipulation or part handling.
Drive: Desire to implement a holistic system to characterize manufacturing process outcomes to create safe, economical aircraft structures at high production rates. Desired Bachelor of Science degree in a technology or engineering discipline. 4+ years of experience in applying non-destructive inspection and testing practice to laminated advanced composite structures and 3D printed metallics. Previous experience holding Level 3 certifications in multiple methods (UT, CT, ET and/or PT). Experience using Phased Array Ultrasonic testing (PAUT) equipment. Experience using Computed Tomography (CT) equipment. Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $47 - $63 per hour. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more. Additional Information Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.