NDT Development Lead

The NDT Development Lead is based at the Teesside Applus+ office and plays a pivotal role in developing people, sustaining inspection capability, and supporting inspection delivery through the School of Excellence.

This role is particularly well suited to an experienced NDT Technician who is ready to “hang up their boots” from full-time site inspection work and transition into a mentoring, coaching, and development-focused position. It combines hands-on technical knowledge with people development, providing guidance, structure, and support to technicians, trainees, and apprentices.

The role focuses on mentoring and coaching, supporting competence development, maintaining compliant inspection and training facilities, and offering practical technical support to inspection teams when required. The position does not hold Technical Authority and does not approve procedures beyond the scope of individual certification and authorisation.

Key Responsibilities

School of Excellence – Delivery & Oversight

• Support the day-to-day operation of the School of Excellence, ensuring inspection activities, training equipment, and facilities are maintained to the required standard.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, client requirements, ISO 9712 / PCN rules, and internal competency frameworks.
• Coordinate and support practical training activities, mock inspections, and skills development sessions.
• Ensure inspection equipment, consumables, and facilities are fit for purpose, correctly stored, and within calibration where applicable.
• Maintain a safe, organised, and audit-ready inspection and training environment.
• Act as a coach and mentor to technicians, trainees, and apprentices, supporting development across inspection methods including (but not limited to):
• Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
• Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI)
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Radiography (RAD)
• Use practical experience to help individuals understand inspection techniques, defect recognition, method limitations, and good inspection practice.
• Support technicians in building confidence, consistency, and competence aligned to their certification level.
• Provide structured feedback to management on technician progress, strengths, and development needs.
• Promote a positive learning culture, professionalism, and high inspection standards across the team.

Inspection Support (Non-Authority Role)

• Provide practical technical support to inspection teams when required, within the limits of own certification and authorisation.
• Support site teams with method application and inspection approach, without assuming technical approval or governance responsibilities.
• Escalate technical or procedural issues appropriately to supervision or management.

Reporting & Administration

• Produce and/or support inspection reports in line with the Applus+ NDT Reporting Procedure, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely submission.
• Maintain accurate records including timesheets, training evidence, inspection documentation, and certification records.
• Provide management with copies of new or updated certifications as achieved.

Governance, Ethics & Safety

• Adhere to the Inspector Declaration, maintaining independence, impartiality, and integrity at all times.
• Operate strictly within the scope defined by the Letter of Authorisation.
• Promote and comply with company HSEQ policies, including safe systems of work, PPE requirements, and hazard reporting.
• Comply with information security and data confidentiality requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Recognised NDT qualifications.
• Documentary evidence of training and on-the-job experience in accordance with BS EN ISO 9712 / SNT-TC-1A.
• PCN / ASNT / CWIP Level 1 or Level 2 certification in one or more NDT disciplines.
• Background as an experienced NDT Technician with strong practical inspection knowledge.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting less experienced technicians.
• Familiarity with training environments, inspection preparation, or competence development frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
• Clear, practical communication style
• High attention to detail and procedural discipline
• Organised and methodical approach to training and inspection support
• Positive role model for safety, professionalism, and inspection quality

Freedom to Act

• Works independently within the limits of certification, authorisation, and company procedures.
• Supports and guides technicians and trainees without assuming technical approval authority.
• Escalates technical and procedural decisions to supervision or management where required.

Personal Attributes

• Approachable, supportive, and patient mentor
• Calm, professional, and consistent
• Motivated by developing people rather than full-time site inspection
• Respected by peers for practical experience and attitude
• Strong focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement

HSEQ Responsibilities

• Actively promote and maintain high standards of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality.
• Highlight improved working practices that may benefit the Company.
• Develop positive relationships with clients and suppliers.
• Maintain a clean and safe office and site environment.
• Participate in Company and client HSEQ initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate PPE is utilised at all times.
• Fulfil information security responsibilities, including secure handling of records and data confidentiality.
• Complete all assigned company training related to information security.
• Report any vulnerabilities, threats, or breaches in line with company procedures.

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