Lead Inspection Engineer – Metrology & NDE Level 3

GE Aerospace • Evendale, OH

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About The Position

The Lead Inspection Engineer – Metrology & NDE Level 3 is responsible for leading inspection strategy, execution, and continuous improvement for critical aerospace components and systems. This role combines deep metrology expertise with NDE Level 3 certifications to develop, qualify, and oversee inspection methods that ensure product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The engineer serves as the technical authority for NDE and dimensional inspection, mentors Level 1/2 inspectors and engineers, and partners closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to drive robust inspection processes across the value stream, including active participation in NPI producibility reviews and design-for-inspectability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. ( or High School Diploma /GED with a minimum of 4 years of experience in Aerospace, power, or similarly regulated, high-precision industries.)
• Minimum of 3 years of Aerospace, power, or similarly regulated, high-precision industries experience.
• NDE Level 3 certification in at least one major method (e.g., UT, RT, PT, MT, ET) in accordance with NAS 410, SNT-TC-1A, ISO 9712, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in metrology, including hands-on work with CMMs and other precision measurement systems in a production environment.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T (per ASME Y14.5 or equivalent) and its application to complex components.
• Proven experience developing inspection procedures, NDE techniques, and training/certification programs.
• Ability to Travel within US, 10-20%
• Strong analytical skills, including statistical analysis of measurement data and capability studies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with and safeguard export-controlled and ITAR-regulated technical data, and to meet all applicable U.S. export control and ITAR requirements for this role.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Multiple NDE Level 3 certifications (e.g., UT + PT + MT, etc.).
• Experience with CT scanning, phased array UT, or automated/robotic NDE systems.
• Experience with model-based definition (MBD), CAD/CAM integration, and digital inspection planning tools.
• Familiarity with aviation regulatory and customer standards (e.g., FAA/EASA, OEM specifications).
• Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, with demonstrated continuous improvement leadership.
• Experience in supplier development or supplier inspection oversight.
• Humble: respectful, receptive, agile, eager to learn
• Transparent: shares critical information, speaks with candor, contributes constructively
• Focused: quick learner, strategically prioritizes work, committed
• Leadership ability: strong communicator, decision-maker, collaborative
• Problem solver: analytical-minded, challenges existing processes, critical thinker

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership – Metrology & NDE Serve as the technical authority for metrology and all assigned NDE methods (e.g., UT, RT, PT, MT, ET, CT) at the site or business unit.
• Participate as a reviewer and provide direction on inspection strategies during producibility reviews for NPI programs, ensuring inspectability, process capability, and alignment with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and approve inspection procedures, work instructions, and acceptance criteria in accordance with customer, regulatory, and industry standards (e.g., NAS, ASTM, ASME, EN).
• Design and validate inspection methods, including gaging concepts, fixturing, measurement strategies, and NDE techniques for complex geometries and advanced materials.
• Lead method qualifications and capability studies (e.g., MSA, Gage R&R, POD studies, repeatability and reproducibility analysis).
• Interpret complex indications and measurement results, providing disposition guidance and escalation for non conformances.
• Own and maintain calibration and verification strategies for inspection equipment, ensuring traceability to national and international standards.
• Act as NDE Level 3 in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., NAS 410, SNT-TC-1A, ISO 9712 or equivalent).
• Develop, qualify, and approve NDE techniques and written practices for all covered methods.
• Certify and recertify Level 1 and Level 2 personnel, including developing training content, administering examinations, and defining on-the-job training plans.
• Provide expert interpretation of NDE results, including complex defect characterization, false-call analysis, and root-cause support.
• Lead NDE audits and compliance activities, interfacing internal, customer, and regulatory auditors.
• Monitor and introduce new NDE technologies, tools, and digital solutions (e.g., advanced UT, phased array, CT, automated inspection).
• Lead the dimensional inspection strategy, including CMM programming, laser scanning, optical measurement, and portable metrology systems.
• Optimize measurement programs and setups to reduce inspection cycle time while improving accuracy and robustness.
• Establish and maintain measurement system capability, including uncertainty budgets, calibration intervals, and environmental controls.
• Collaborate with design engineering on GD&T definition, datum schemes, and tolerancing to ensure inspectability and alignment with manufacturing capability.
• Implement digital inspection workflows, including model-based definition (MBD), digital twins, and data-driven inspection planning where applicable.
• Own inspection process quality metrics, such as defect escape rates, inspection yield, re-inspection levels, and key rework drivers.
• Lead problem-solving and root-cause analysis (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, 8D) for inspection-related quality issues and escapes.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and mistake-proofing techniques within inspection and NDE processes.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and internal procedures for inspection and NDE.
• Support new product introduction (NPI), process changes, and industrialization with robust inspection plans and risk assessments.
• Provide day-to-day technical leadership to a team of inspectors, technicians, and inspection engineers.
• Coach and mentor Level 1/2 NDE personnel, metrology technicians, and early-career engineers.
• Champion a strong safety and quality culture, reinforcing adherence to PPE requirements, radiation safety (where applicable), and safe equipment operation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Program teams to align inspection strategies with business priorities.
• Represent inspection engineering in customer reviews, MRB boards, and cross-functional investigations.

Benefits

• GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing.
• Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services.
• Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants.
• Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level