Lead NDE (Non-Destructive Examination) Specialist

About us

National Grid is hiring a Lead Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Specialist, for our Capital Project Delivery group in Waltham, MA. 

Everyday we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.
To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

Job Purpose

Provide technical expertise in the non-destructive examination (NDE) used on natural gas transmission, distribution and LNG assets to minimize the risk of component failure and ensure National Grid can meet and exceed all mandated safety, reliability and regulatory compliance requirements. This includes radiographic testing, penetrant testing, visual inspection, ultrasound testing and magnetic particle testing. The role-holder is responsible for providing technical leadership and contractor oversight for non­destructive examinations across the natural gas business. The level of responsibility and the degree of knowledge required to enforce and manage an NDE program requires an individual with strong technical aptitude. Their highly skilled expertise in NDE activities will improve regulatory compliance, reduce risk associated with weld joint integrity, and provide clear accountability for nondestructive examinations in the TVC record keeping process. Responsible for the planning, delivery, management and governance of the Gas Capital Projects to ensure they are developed in a least cost, fit for purpose manner to improve long term project robustness, requirements, costs and timescales.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform contractor/vendor audits and surveillances to ensure integrity of work. This includes radiographic film review.
• Ensure NDE examinations conducted by employees and contractors comply with safety standards, policies and processes to ensure a safe working environment and minimize risk for all.
• Interpret codes, standards, specifications and procedures.
• Establish, approve and select appropriate methods and techniques for NDE inspections.
• Evaluate test results in terms of compliance with codes, standards and specifications.
• Provide training, examination and certification of NDE personnel.
• Perform NDE for methods that they are certified.
• Audit contractors and outside agencies to ensure satisfaction with code and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate and manage an NDE workforce on small and large projects. To include NDE level II’s & CWI’s.
• Provide guidance to a culturally diverse workforce through coaching, counseling and team building to ensure tasks are carried out in an efficient manner.
• Build good working relationships with internal & external customers and manage the day-to-day relationship with them to understand their requirements and deliver appropriate solutions, in line with National Grid policies and processes.
• Promote and implement procedural best practices to ensure all working practices are compliant with National Grid policies and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations by providing up to date information on National Grid policies, processes and programs to regulatory bodies.
• Monitor and challenge business processes where appropriate to ensure National Grid is compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Serve on related industry and professional organizations that promote technical advances and public understanding of effective and responsible non-destructive examination programs.
• Keep regulators up to date and informed on National Grid compliance programs to ensure they are managed appropriately and in line with regulatory requirements.
• Gas field operations off-hours coverage in your local area up to three times per year.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree preferred.
• AWS CWI required
• Documented American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level 2 certification in at least three NDE methods (Preferred methods: Radiography Testing (RT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Penetrant Testing (PT)) required. Level 3 certification is preferred. Time towards level 3 certification also considered.
• Minimum of 5-10 years NDE in Power Generation or Gas Utility.
• Must have experience managing a team with the ability to build effective, respectful, working relationships.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with safe driving history.

More Information