Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Company Background:

Scot Forge is a 130 year old, 100% employee-owned company that manufactures custom open die and rolled ring forgings. At Scot Forge, we help our customers with forged solutions from the world's physical infrastructure, energy, and transportation to manufacturing, mining, and our national defense. From the wheels of NASA’s Curiosity Mars Rover to mission critical components for nuclear submarines, to large hydraulic cylinders for the largest mining trucks on the planet, Scot Forge creates the precision forged metal parts used in demanding applications all over the world.

Hours and Location:

7AM - 5PM Monday - Friday

100% onsite at the Spring Grove, IL manufacturing location

Essential Position 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:

Education/Experience:

• 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 today.

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.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The estimated pay range for this position is the lowest and highest range we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We ultimately may pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. The actual base pay offered to a candidate will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant skills, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, seniority, geographic location and prevailing minimum wage, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Vision, Dental, Hearing, Life (Basic & AD&D), Disability (STD & LTD), 401K Plan with match, Profit Sharing, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Tax Savings (FSA & HAS), Vacation Time, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, or any other form of compensation for any particular employee remains in the Company’s sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Scot Forge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.