A professional who conducts radiographic, penetrant, ultrasonic, and magnetic particle tests on metal parts to determine if parts meet nondestructive specifications. Responsibilities include:

• Reviews test orders to determine type of test requested, test procedures to follow, and part acceptability criteria.
• Applies agents, such as cleaners, penetrants, and developers, and couplant (light oil which acts as medium), to parts, or heats parts in oven, to prepare parts for testing.
• Determines test equipment settings according to type of metal, thickness, distance from test equipment, and related variables, using standard formulas.
• Calibrates test equipment, such as magnetic particle, x-ray, and ultrasonic contact machines, to standard settings, following manual instructions.
• Sets up equipment to perform tests, and conducts tests on parts, following procedures established for specified tests performed.
• Examines surface-treated materials during penetrant and magnetic particle tests to locate and identify cracks or other defects, using black light.
• Moves transducer probe across part when conducting ultrasonic tests and observes CRT (cathode ray tube) screen to detect and locate discontinuities in metal structure (ultrasonic tester (any industry)).
• Examines film when conducting radiographic tests to locate structural or welding flaws.
• Marks tested parts to indicate defective areas.
• Evaluates test results against designated standards, utilizing knowledge of metals and testing experience.
• Prepares reports outlining findings and conclusions.
• May perform similar tests on nonmetallic parts or structures.