Nondestructive Inspection

What does the Nondestructive Inspection career field do?

Inspects aerospace weapon systems components and support equipment for structural integrity using nondestructive inspection methods and performs fluid analysis. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 176000.

Duties and responsibilities

• Determines test method and prepares fluids and parts for nondestructive inspection. Interprets nondestructive inspection test results and provides information about defects to repair center. Analyzes wear metal content on engine lubricating oil and other fluids and recommends corrective action. Establishes radiation areas for radiographic operations. Computes and monitors personal exposure areas for radiographic operations, and monitors personnel exposure data.
• Performs nondestructive inspection on structures, components, and systems. Detects flaws such as cracks, delaminations, voids, processing defects, and heat damage using penetrant, eddy current, magnetic particle, radiographic, optical, bond testing, oil analysis/wear debris, and ultrasonic test equipment. Determines metallurgical information of components according to alloy, temper, conductivity, and associated factors.
• Operates, maintains, and inspects nondestructive equipment. Performs operator maintenance and service inspections on shop equipment and tools. Ensures lock out and tag out procedures are accomplished prior to maintenance on equipment. Handles and disposes of hazardous waste and materials.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: characteristics of metals identification; wear metals identification and content; metal discontinuity and flaw detection; operation and maintenance of nondestructive test and oil analysis equipment; safety codes and practices; radiological safety and radiation monitoring procedures; technical orders and directives; and proper handling, use, and disposal of hazardous waste and materials.

Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in mathematics, chemistry, industrial technology, physics, and shop is desirable. Also, completion of computer knowledge courses is desirable.

Training. For award of AFSC 2A732, completion of a basic nondestructive inspection course is mandatory.

Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:

• 2A752. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2A732. Also, experience in the interpretation of indications, process controls, equipment calibration and maintenance, safety directives, and hazardous waste programs.
• For award of AFSC 2A752, completion of 2A752 myLearning Module is mandatory.
• 2A772. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2A752. Also, experience supervising functions such as those involved in a nondestructive inspection laboratory, completion of 7-skill level upgrade tasks, and must obtain weld evaluation certification.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into this specialty, the following are mandatory:
• Normal color vision as defined in DAFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards.
• Near Vision Requirements. All Nondestructive Inspection personnel shall pass a near vision acuity test, utilizing one of the following tests/criteria: Jaeger No. 1 at not less than 12 inches (30.48 cm) or 20/25 (Snellen) at 16 inches (40.64 cm) ±1″ (2.54cm). The near vision test is required for only one eye either natural or corrected.
• See Attachment 4 for additional entry requirements.
• For award and retention of these AFSCs: must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $31,760–$108,790 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: $66,440
• Aviation Inspectors: $78,400
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers: $70,240
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: $62,850
• General and Operations Managers: $103,650
• Hazardous Materials Removal Worker: $45,270
• Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers: $31,760
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics: $55,490
• Industrial Production Managers: $108,790
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers: $40,460
• Non-Destructive Testing Specialists: $64,190
• Nuclear Technicians: $84,190
• Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks: $49,640