Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

The Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Engineer is responsible for supporting, developing, and improving non-destructive inspection processes across Scot Forge operations. This position combines engineering problem solving and NDE technical processes to ensure product quality, compliance with customer and industry requirements, and continuous improvement of inspection methods. The NDE Engineer partners closely with NDE Level II/III personnel, Quality, Process Engineering, Metallurgy, and Production teams to troubleshoot issues, improve technology and drive continuous improvement in our NDE processes.

Hours and Location

7AM - 5PM Monday - Friday. 100% onsite at the Spring Grove, IL manufacturing location.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing and inspection with a disciplined approach to problem solving (e.g., 8D/root cause, fishbone, 6S, basic data analysis) in product launches, rework, and continuous improvement.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining NDE procedures, technique sheets, and work instructions in alignment with applicable customer/industry requirements and Scot Forge written practices.
• Design and support the manufacturing of ultrasonic testing standards.
• Support existing NDE technology including magnetic particle, ultrasonic, dye penetrant and radiographic inspection.
• Participate in evaluation and implementation of new NDE systems/technology (e.g., improved UT methods, phased array, immersion, robotics, etc.) including validation, documentation, and training support.
• Maintain external relationships and research on technology advancements.
• Design solutions to help improve safety and ergonomics with NDE inspections.
• Assist with NDE equipment readiness: set-up support, routine verification, calibration coordination, and maintenance of required records, including UT reference standards when applicable.
• Support review of shop orders, specifications, and production prints to determine appropriate NDE methods, acceptance criteria, and inspection parameters.
• Collect, analyze, and trend inspection and nonconformance data to identify systemic issues and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Provide technical support to NDE technicians and cross-functional partners (Sales, Process Engineering, Metallurgy, Production) regarding requirements, inspection execution, and process improvements.
• Assist in training, coaching, and evaluating NDE trainees and Level I/II personnel as directed by Level III leadership.
• Help audit work to ensure consistent technique application.
• Help develop and maintain productivity/quality metrics for NDE activities and support actions that improve throughput, quality, and cost.
• Support internal and customer audits related to NDE personnel qualification records, equipment calibration, methods, and documentation.
• Actively participate in safety and 6S efforts; follow policies, programs, and procedures to promote a safe and healthy work environment.
• Work across plants and shifts as required to support projects and production needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering.
• 2-5 years of relevant experience through internships, co-ops, or prior manufacturing/NDT experience.
• Fundamental understanding of NDE methods and applications (UT, MT, PT; familiarity with additional methods is a plus).
• Ability and willingness to qualify/certify under employer-based or third-party NDT certification programs (e.g., ASNT SNT-TC-1A or ISO 9712) as required for assigned work.
• Ability to create solid models, Solidworks Preferred, and to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and acceptance criteria.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to create clear technical documentation (procedures, work instructions, technique sheets, reports).

Desired Skills

• Prior hands-on experience with NDE equipment or labs (ultrasonic flaw detection/thickness, magnetic particle, penetrant) and/or relevant coursework.
• ASNT Level II (or progress toward Level II) in UT, MT, and/or PT; exposure to NAS-410 is a plus.
• Experience with continuous improvement methods (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma) and basic statistical/data trending tools.
• Familiarity with forging or metals manufacturing processes and the effect of processing on inspection outcomes.
• Experience inspection/reporting software.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP and quality systems.
• Familiarity with robotics is a plus.

Additional Information

• Scot Forge requires all employees to work 100% onsite.
• This position is primarily located in our Spring Grove, IL facility with occasional travel to plants in other locations as required (Franklin Park, IL and Clinton, WI).
• Other duties as assigned.
• Must be authorized to work anywhere in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Must be able to pass a 90 day head hair drug test.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Position requires a mixture of working in office and occasionally working in production areas while forklifts, overhead cranes and related equipment are in use. On occasion while performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to heat and cold weather conditions as well as wet and/or humid conditions. Production environment may expose individual to excessive loud noise. When in the area of production, appropriate PPE is mandatory.