Description
Perform radiographic nondestructive examinations (X-ray) of aircraft structures, engines, and components to detect internal defects; interpret images, document findings, and support maintenance decisions while ensuring radiation safety and regulatory compliance.
- • Read and interpret maintenance manuals, NDT procedures, engineering orders, and service bulletins to plan radiographic inspections.
- • Determine inspection feasibility, technique, and exposure parameters per specifications and standards.
- • Set up X-ray generators, digital detectors or film, collimators, and lead shielding for inspections.
- • Establish controlled radiation areas with barricades, signage, and monitoring per ALARA practices.
- • Wear and manage dosimetry; perform and record radiation surveys before, during, and after exposures.
- • Position sources, detectors, and parts using fixtures, clamps, hoists, or lifts to achieve required geometry.
- • Verify image quality using IQIs/penetrameters and densitometers; adjust technique as needed.
- • Radiographically examine airframes, fuselage, wings, tails, and landing gear for cracks, corrosion, distortion, or hidden damage.
- • Radiographically inspect engines and hot-section parts for wear, warping, porosity, or cracks.
- • Inspect bonded and composite structures for delaminations, disbonds, and core damage.
- • Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations or engineering directives.
- • Review discrepancy write-ups and crew reports to define inspection areas and scope.
- • Mark and document defect locations and reference lines on parts and drawings.
- • Interpret radiographs and digital images, classify indications, and make accept/reject recommendations per criteria.
- • Certify that completed NDT work meets standards and release items to maintenance.
- • Prepare detailed NDT reports, repair recommendations, and entries in maintenance records.
- • Maintain and archive radiographic images and traceability records per regulatory requirements.
- • Calibrate and perform system checks on X-ray generators, detectors, viewers, and densitometers.
- • Clean and maintain imaging equipment, darkroom, and digital processing systems.
- • Inventory and requisition films, detectors, IQIs, shielding, batteries, and related supplies.
- • Fabricate simple positioning aids, masks, and scatter guards to optimize image quality and safety.
- • Coordinate limited part removal, panel access, and reinstallation with mechanics for exposure.
- • Communicate inspection results and recommended actions to engineers, quality, and maintenance crews.
- • Verify corrosion control and damage limits against manuals and engineering data before disposition.
- • Handle, label, and store hazardous materials associated with radiographic work safely.
- • Follow NAS 410/ASNT, ASTM, and FAA requirements for NDT certification, procedures, and documentation.
- • Support on-wing, in-hangar, and shop inspections; travel to aircraft as needed.
- • Perform post-repair or post-modification X-ray inspections to verify corrective actions.
- • Assist with other NDT methods, such as ultrasonic or eddy current, when qualified.
- • Participate in root-cause investigations and continuous improvement of NDT techniques.
- • Secure equipment and account for radiation sources; maintain chain-of-custody records.
- • Train or mentor junior NDT personnel when assigned.
- • Create and update radiographic technique sheets and job aids to meet OEM and engineering requirements.
- • Shield adjacent aircraft systems and sensitive equipment from scatter and radiation.
- • Verify aircraft and work area are safe for inspection, coordinating de-energization and lockout/tagout when required.
- • Conduct pre- and post-exposure briefings with affected personnel to coordinate access and safety.
- • Use digital imaging software to enhance, annotate, and measure indications while preserving raw data integrity.
- • Audit NDT documentation and records for accuracy and compliance during internal or external reviews.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Supply Chain & Transportation
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
