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.

Responsibilities:

• 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
  
  

Qualifications:

• 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 certification after undergoing required classroom training
• Ability to work with computers/computerized equipment. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to work in custom templates to report data
• Commitment to hands-on fieldwork, including frequent, extended travel
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and curiosity for solving problems and understanding how things work
• Proactive, team player mindset with willingness to take on various responsibilities
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands, while maintaining a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail
• Effective written and oral communication skills
  
  

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment such as computer, printer, fax, copier, telephone, voice mail system, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:

• Ability to attend meetings at the various office, field, and construction sites
• Ability to perform inspections of bridges and other structures, both visually and with instruments
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs
• Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors
• Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens
• Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
• Ability to travel
• Ability to safely work at heights, possibly by rope access
• Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
• Ability to safely use and/or operate various construction power tools
• Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards
• Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle
  
  

Culture, Compensation, And Benefits:

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.

Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry’s most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.

Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers.

WJE Offers a Robust, Total Compensation Structure, Where The Hourly Rate Is Just One Component Of An Employee’s Annual Earnings. Additionally, Employees May Be Eligible To Receive Overtime, Variable Compensation Based On Personal And Company Performance, Often Resulting In Above-market Annual Earnings. Actual Hourly Rate Will Be Based On Several Factors Including Consideration For a Candidate’s Qualifications, Skills, Competencies, And Proficiency For The Role While Remaining Mindful Of Our Commitment To Internal Equity. A Good Faith Estimate Of The Starting Hourly Rate (gross) For This Position Is In The Following Range:

$26.50 - $39.75

This non-exempt position is eligible for additional overtime pay. Additionally, employees in this position receive an annual discretionary bonus based on personal and company performance. WJE’s industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, generous 401(k) matching, time off to care for yourself and others, and investments in employees’ professional development, to name a few. More information on WJE’s total rewards package can be found at www.wje.com/careers/employment-benefits.

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)