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In-Service Inspection (ISI) Tooling Shop Lead Technician

Location: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy – Wilmington Field Service Center (WFSC), Wilmington, NC Position Type: Onsite

The ISI Tooling Shop Lead Technician is responsible for ensuring the operational readiness, maintenance, and performance of tooling systems supporting In-Service Inspection (ISI) programs at the Wilmington Field Service Center. This position leads the tooling team under the Performance Service Agreement (PSA), ensuring all activities related to tooling preparation, repair, refurbishment, and deployment meet performance, quality, and safety standards. The role requires strong leadership, technical troubleshooting, and collaboration with GE Vernova Hitachi (GEVH) product lines and engineering teams to deliver reliable, cost-effective tooling solutions for nuclear inspection applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day performance of assigned tooling, including preparation, repair, refurbishment, and maintenance.
• Interface with GEH product lines, tooling engineers, and internal teams to resolve technical issues and improve tooling performance.
• Maintain UT Level I certification (Level II preferred) and ensure compliance with ultrasonic inspection procedures.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment.
• Follow tooling refurbishment procedures and proactively raise issues when they arise.
• Ensure procurement, stocking, and manufacturing of key components are ordered, in inventory, and delivered according to project needs.
• Mentor, train, and develop direct reports; provide guidance, performance feedback, and disciplinary management as needed.
• Plan and manage work schedules to meet client and project requirements.
• Execute all duties in compliance with EHS, radiological, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain organized, clean, and safe facilities and work areas.
• Drive efficiency, cost reduction, and productivity metrics (ISQO).
• Support other operational areas (CRD, MODS, etc.) as needed.
• Perform additional duties as directed by management.

Key Qualifications and Skills

Technical Expertise

• Must hold and maintain Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Level I certification; UT Level II certification preferred.
• Understanding of ultrasonic inspection principles and ability to maintain certifications.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and electronic troubleshooting skills.
• Hands-on experience with automated or robotic tooling systems, including setup, calibration, and operation of computerized tooling and motion controllers.
• Proficient in reading mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and isometric layouts.
• Working knowledge of GE Vernova (GEV) In-Vessel or ISI tooling; minimum one-year direct experience preferred.
• Skilled in tooling refurbishment, preventive/predictive maintenance, and recommending process or product improvements.
• Knowledge of networked systems, wireless/wired communications, and camera operations.
• Establish and maintain key interfaces with GEH product lines and tooling engineers.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ERP/Oracle systems.

Operational and Compliance Excellence

• Strict adherence to radiological, environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and internal procedures.
• Executes duties in compliance with quality, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Maintains organized and clean facilities, equipment, and work areas.
• Plans, schedules, and prioritizes work to meet customer and project requirements.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives, including efficiency, cost reduction, and productivity metrics.

Communication and Collaboration

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Acts as a key liaison for cross-functional collaboration and technical problem solving.
• Maintains confidentiality of proprietary and sensitive information.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement

• Self-motivated, logical, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently with a "Can Do" attitude.
• Mentors, trains, and develops team members to enhance skills and performance.
• Proactively drives efficiency, cost reduction, and quality improvement.
• Leads or participates in team meetings, performance reviews, and feedback sessions.
• Supports other operational areas (CRD, MODS, etc.) as required.
• Performs additional duties or assignments as directed by management.

Additional Capabilities

• Willingness and ability to travel for training, testing, or project support.
• Ability to work in high-stress, fast-paced, and high-risk environments.
• Self-starter with a problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn new tools, systems, or technologies.
• Maintains a questioning attitude, proactively raising concerns and suggestions for improvement.
• Strong team-player mentality, able to collaborate across functions while maintaining personal accountability.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, and climb for extended periods, including ladders and stairs.
• Able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching required.
• Fine motor skills needed for handling small tools and components.
• Vision sufficient for close-up work and operating cameras or instruments.
• Hearing sufficient to respond to alarms, radios, and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, radiation-controlled areas, or extreme temperatures, following all safety protocols.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in electronics repair or related field preferred.
• Previous customer repair/service experience preferred.
• Minimum of one year experience with GEV or ISI tooling preferred.

Benefits

• Healthcare – BlueCross and Blue Shield of NC
• Vision & Dental – Cigna
• Short Term, Long Term, and Life Insurance (company-paid)
• 401K (not matched)
• 15 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year
• 12 Paid holidays

Affirmative Action / EEO Statement

Sonic Systems International is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.