Steel NDT Technician

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an exceptional Steel NDT Technician to join our bridge engineering team, located at WJE's global headquarters in Northbrook, IL.

At WJE, we spend almost as much time in the field, up close and personal with our projects, as we do in the office. This role will require regular nationwide travel to perform field investigations and bridge inspections, collect samples, test materials in order to assist in the diagnosis process, perform nondestructive and destructive testing, assist with specimen and full‑scale testing in our laboratory, perform fabrication of test components and retrofit components, and install structural retrofits.

Nondestructive testing (NDT) at WJE is typically performed using novel or innovative methods for access, testing application, or interpretation of results. Testing may include following unique procedures developed by ASNT Level III personnel, or following written or verbal communication from project engineers. This position works under the general supervision of a Senior Specialist or Project Manager but completes routine and moderately complex tasks, testing, and structure retrofit installations independently.

As an NDT Level II Technician, you will perform various inspection techniques on a variety of bridge structures, both modern and historic.

A career at WJE will give you the opportunity to learn from and grow alongside industry‑leading experts as you develop your technical expertise, your hands‑on capabilities, and your NDT skills.

• Perform ultrasonic inspection of welds and welded connections in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.5 or other applicable codes per project requirements
• Perform other NDT inspections utilizing various NDT methods (Phased Array UT, MT, PT, etc.) to assess conditions of structures such as corrosion, defects, or cracking of structural steel. Interpret indications of distress and report or record results per project requirements
• Routinely complete lab and field technician work, which includes: participation in bridge structure inspections, retrofit of steel and concrete structures, installation of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment, concrete coring, steel sample removal, moderate to complex fabrication, and performing tests in lab and field with minimal supervision
• Under the direction of experienced engineering staff, understand and execute inspections in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.5 or other applicable codes
• Assist in additional NDT or other work at WJE's laboratory or field equipment facilities. Assist in creation of specific testing jigs or equipment to accommodate unique structure geometries
• Assist engineers in producing high‑quality, accurate inspection reports that incorporate NDT findings, photographs, or screenshots as applicable
• Maintain inspection equipment, including repairing or replacing damaged parts, ensuring equipment remains calibrated, and assist in procuring new equipment with project teams as applicable
• Calibrate laboratory and field testing equipment
• Perform an active role in the quality assurance program
• Understand, follow, and enforce all safety standards
• Maintain high levels of efficiency and productivity to consistently deliver projects on schedule and within budget
• Maintain currency with industry trends and new technologies. Propose and implement changes to workflow to improve efficiency
• Conduct specialized testing
• Assume increasing responsibilities as your experience and capabilities develop
• Travel to job sites for extended periods of time (up to 40% of the time throughout the year)
• Interpret existing structural or detail drawings, including hand‑produced drawings dating back to the early 1900s

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience performing NDT as a certified technician
• Certified to NDE Level II in a minimum of one method (UT, PAUT) with interest and ability to obtain other Level II certifications (MT, PT). Must have proof of classroom hours/training in NDT. Multiple Level II or ASNT Level III certifications preferred
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or ability and interest to obtain…