Principal Materials Engineer - Nondestructive Testing

Location: Niskayuna

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values:
Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description The Nondestructive Testing Engineering (NDTE) unit is seeking a Principal Engineer to provide strategic leadership in advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) technology integration. This position will focus on maturing and deploying NDT technologies in support of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program construction and manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on ultrasonic testing. In this role, you will partner closely with NDT unit managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to enhance technical capability, shape strategy, and lead change across the program.

The successful candidate will operate effectively both independently and in team settings, be self-directed, and be comfortable working at both the strategic and hands-on technical levels. You will be expected to develop innovative solutions using established and emerging NDT technologies and be cognizant of all phases of your work, including planning, tracking, operations, safety, quality, and technical communication.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategy and leadership in identifying barriers to NDT technology implementation, developing work plans to overcome them, and driving technologies through qualification to successful deployment.
• Providing strategy and leadership in the application of advanced technologies, including phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), to improve construction span while maintaining safety and quality.
• Assisting in the development of roadmaps to improve NDT technology integration across the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
• Mentoring and coaching others in the unit who are responsible for NDT strategy development, digital transformation, and implementation activities. This position offers the opportunity to influence NDT practices program-wide, lead technology modernization efforts in NDT, and mentor the next generation of technical leaders in a highly mission-driven environment. Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience;

or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering, science field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; or Currently a Principal Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field (RPCO) Engineer at the Company.

Preferred Skills Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred. Expertise in a nondestructive testing technique (ultrasonic testing, radiography, etc.). Experience leading cross-functional technical initiatives. Demonstrated leadership in new technology integration or technical strategy development. ASNT NDT Level III certification (or equivalent) in ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), or related NDT methods. Experience improving or defining processes for technology integration, including requirements development, qualification, or deployment of new NDT methods.

Experience with NDT digital transformation (digital data capture, data management, analytics, automated defect recognition, or digital engineering integration). Compensation and Benefits Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

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