Hiring a UT Level III is not just filling a role; it’s a strategic investment in the technical authority and future of your entire NDT program. This individual is more than a senior inspector—they are your company’s ultimate expert in the Ultrasonic Testing method. They are a technical leader, a mentor, a procedure writer, and the final word on compliance and quality.

Crafting a UT Level III job description requires a level of detail and professionalism that matches the role itself. You are not just looking for a technician; you are looking for a program leader. A generic job posting will fail to attract the caliber of professional you need and may even signal to top-tier candidates that your company doesn’t fully understand the scope of the Level III position.

This guide will break down the critical responsibilities and qualifications for a UT Level III and provide a copy-ready template to help you attract the industry-leading expert your organization requires.

The Strategy: Defining the Role of the NDT Level III Authority

Before writing, it is essential to understand the full scope of a Level III’s duties as defined by standards like ASNT’s SNT-TC-1A or NAS 410. A Level III is authorized to:

• Direct and manage the NDT program for the methods in which they are certified.
• Develop, write, and approve NDT procedures and techniques.
• Interpret codes, standards, and specifications.
• Train, examine, and certify NDT personnel (Level I and II).
• Serve as the company’s technical liaison with clients, auditors, and regulatory bodies.

Your job description must clearly articulate this high level of technical and programmatic responsibility.

The Copy-Ready UT Level III Job Description Template

Simply copy the text below and replace the bracketed information with your own company’s details.

Job Title: NDT Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Level III – Technical Authority

Company: [Your Company Name]

Location: [City, State]

Job Type: [Full-Time, Permanent]

Job Summary:
[Your Company Name] is seeking to hire a highly experienced and certified ASNT NDT Level III in Ultrasonic Testing (UT) to serve as our company’s subject matter expert. This senior-level position is responsible for the overall direction, technical leadership, and compliance of our UT program. The UT Level III will be responsible for developing procedures, providing advanced technical support, and ensuring the qualification and certification of all UT personnel. This role is critical to maintaining our company’s reputation for quality, safety, and technical excellence.

Key UT Level III Responsibilities:

• Program Management: Assume technical ownership of the company’s NDT Written Practice for the UT method, ensuring it remains compliant with SNT-TC-1A / NAS 410 and all client specifications.
• Procedure and Technique Development: Develop, write, and approve NDT procedures and techniques for ultrasonic inspections, including advanced methods such as Phased Array (PAUT) and TOFD where applicable.
• Personnel Qualification: Administer and grade examinations for the certification of UT Level I and II personnel. This includes overseeing their training, on-the-job experience, and certification records.
• Advanced Technical Support: Serve as the final technical authority for the disposition of complex indications. Provide expert guidance to Level II technicians on challenging inspections and data interpretation.
• Audit & Compliance: Act as the primary technical interface during client, third-party (e.g., Nadcap), and internal audits of the UT program.
• Client & Engineering Liaison: Collaborate with engineering and client representatives to review inspection requirements, interpret codes and standards, and develop effective inspection solutions.
• Technology & Continuous Improvement: Evaluate and recommend new UT technologies, equipment, and software to enhance the department’s capabilities and efficiency.

Required UT Level III Qualifications:

• Certification: Current, verifiable ASNT NDT Level III certification in Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is mandatory.
• Experience: A minimum of [e.g., 5-10] years of progressive experience as an NDT professional, with a proven track record of increasing responsibility. Extensive hands-on experience as a UT Level II is required.
• Technical Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of a wide range of UT techniques, including shear wave, straight beam, thickness gauging, and immersion. Deep understanding of flaw detection, characterization, and sizing.
• Code & Standard Mastery: Comprehensive knowledge of major industry codes (e.g., ASME, API, AWS) and NDT standards (SNT-TC-1A, NAS 410).
• Leadership & Communication Skills: Proven ability to train and mentor junior technicians. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for writing procedures and interfacing with clients and auditors.

Preferred Qualifications (What Makes a Candidate Elite):

• Responsible NDT Level III Experience: Prior experience serving as the designated Responsible Level III for a company’s certification program.
• Advanced Method Certifications: ASNT NDT Level III certification in additional methods (e.g., RT, ET) is highly desirable. Hands-on experience and certification in PAUT/TOFD is a major plus.
• Additional Credentials: An AWS CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) or API certification.
• Education: A degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline is preferred.
• Audit Experience: Direct experience successfully leading Nadcap or other major NDT program audits.

How to Apply:
[Insert your application instructions here – e.g., “Please submit your resume, a copy of your ASNT NDT Level III certificate, and a cover letter detailing your experience in program management to our careers portal.”]

Why This Template is Effective

• Establishes Authority: The title “Technical Authority” and the language used in the summary immediately signal that this is a senior leadership role, not just a senior technician role.
• Focuses on Programmatic Responsibilities: The responsibilities section goes far beyond inspection tasks and focuses on the high-level duties of a Level III: program management, procedure writing, and personnel qualification. This attracts true Level III candidates.
• Sets an Extremely High Bar: The “Required Qualifications” are stringent and non-negotiable, immediately filtering out unqualified applicants. The “Preferred Qualifications” section paints a clear picture of an elite candidate, helping you to identify top-tier talent.
• Speaks the Language of a Level III: The job description uses terms like “technical ownership,” “subject matter expert,” and “audit interface,” which resonate with experienced professionals and show that your company understands the scope and importance of the role.

Hiring a UT Level III is a decision that will shape the technical capabilities of your company for years to come. By using a detailed, professional, and strategically written job description, you can ensure you attract a candidate with the expertise and leadership to drive your NDT program forward.

Ready to find the industry-leading expert who will elevate your NDT program? Post your job on NDT-Jobs.com to connect directly with a dedicated audience of senior NDT professionals.