Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

The Work

Non-destructive testing specialists examine vitally important structures and vehicles, including aircraft, trains, bridges and pipelines. They use non-destructive testing methods (NDT), which means that after specialists have tested a component it remains useable.  
 
Non-destructive testing specialists look for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks and other flaws. NDT is essential for safety; specialists may also use it to improve output or profitability, for example, to make sure an oilrig is working safely and at full capacity.  
 
There are many different methods of carrying out NDT. The original method is a visual examination. With advances in technology, NDT specialists can now examine structures and components by using lenses, closed circuit television and fibre optic devices. This technology enables specialists to examine structures on the seabed, or look at components in a radioactive environment.  
 
In liquid penetrant testing, the most common type of NDT, specialists coat an object with a visible or fluorescent dye. Any cracks in the surface will draw in the dye. After cleaning away excess penetrant, NDT specialists use a developer (which acts like blotting paper) to draw the dye back up, therefore revealing the crack.  
 
Non-destructive testing specialists can use radiography to produce an image of an object on a film. For example, they may use X ray or gamma radiation to look for internal defects in metal castings.  
 
They may also use ultrasonic to detect faults in solid materials. This follows a similar principle to that used in sonar equipment at sea. NDT specialists introduce sound into the test object. By looking at how the sound travels within the object, they can map the presence of imperfections (which might bounce the sound around). They use ultrasound to examine welds in nuclear reactors, and in medical imaging studies. 2 other methods are using eddy current and magnetic particles.  
 
NDT is a very fast-moving area; specialists are developing and using new methods all the time, like acoustic emission (which 'listens' to the growth of a crack), leak testing and thermography (used to analyse temperature data).  
 
Specialists often develop expertise in one or two methods of NDT, but they need to know how to interpret all methods. They also need to develop an understanding of the manufacturing processes they are involved in, to predict the type, position and effect of faults.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
• Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
• Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
• Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
• Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
• Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
• Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
• Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing trainees or staff.
• Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
• Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways into a career in industrial radiography testing/ non destructive testing. Sometimes referred to as structural analyses, the study of the adequte compostiion of objects and structures. 

New entrants have typically completed a training programme in Civil Engineering. Relevant courses are available throughout the country. The Institutes of Technology offer Higher Certificate and Degree programmes in Civil Engineering. Courses are also available at PLC level in areas such as Construction Technology from many colleges of Further Education and private colleges. Upon completion students work towards chartered engineer status with Engineers Ireland.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Engineering operations, Architectural Technology and Computer-Aided Design, and Project Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: General Engineering, Engineering techology, Civil, Mechanical & Electronic  Engineering, Construction Technology-Civil Engineering at NFQ Level 5 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Lean Sigma & Engineering Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: General Engineering, Civil engineering, Sustainable Civil Engineering courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Professional Development & Associations

Postgraduate Study Options Civil Engineering, Planning, Engineering structural & environmental Management at NFQ level 9

To apply for the Engineering Technician title, you will need an accredited level 6 qualification and three years post graduate experience. 

Engineers Ireland Engineering accredited programmes and career paths 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €100k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
CPL/ Morgan McKinley/ Excel/ Indeed/ Brighwater

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022, by approximately 3,000 persons, but remained above 2017 levels, resulting in a positive, but below average, annual average growth rate for the five-year period. Employment for this occupation was primarily in industry (accounting for a 60% share of employment). Employment permits issued were across a variety of technician roles (e.g. process, manufacturing, laboratory). The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance technicians in manufacturing with electrical/mechanical skills as difficult-to-fill.

Employers (Skills for Growth) experienced difficulties in filling a range of engineering technician roles, including aircraft technicians and manufacturing technicians, particularly for those with digital skills and knowledge of procedures/processes. There was a 3% increase in the number of online job adverts in 2022, driven by increases in electrical/electronic technicians and, to a lesser extent, laboratory technicians.

New apprenticeship registrations for a number of industry related technicians (including lab analysts) have risen strongly since the first of these programmes were introduced in 2017; by 2022 there were 314 new registrations across a range of apprenticeships (lab analyst, manufacturing technology, OEM engineer etc.) up from approximately 100 in 2017. Although demand seems to be lessening for these roles, issues with attracting suitable candidates remain for maintenance and laboratory technicians in particular, at least in the short-term.

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