As a Senior NDE Technician Daniel’s days are never dull.  If he’s not in the field, he can be found working in the PNDE lab conducting various inspections. Daniel also has the distinction of being the company’s first official employee!

Daniel’s days are non-stop, and we were able to pin him down just long enough to answer a few questions. Here are four questions for Daniel Grady.

Hi Daniel. Can you tell us a little about your daily responsibilities?

A large part of my job is to help the newer technicians. I guess you could say training. I also assist with jobs in the field. I get involved in all types of testing ranging from visual inspection to liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, hardness testing, MFE testing, leak testing, radiography, and ultrasound – mainly, I get involved with API inspections.

You likely didn’t set out to be an NDE Technician. Where were you expecting your career path to end up?

No that’s true. Growing up I wanted to be a police officer and later an architect. But things change. My senior year in high school my mother pointed me to a job fair that she read about in the paper. I walked in and within a couple of months I had a job in non-destructive testing.  I had no clue what non-destructive evaluation or testing was until I started, and I learned along the way.

NDE is a great field and I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s interesting and there’s always something out there that needs to be inspected, whether it’s rollercoasters, airplane components or even fuel tanks at a gravel yard. In addition, it exposes you to a lot of different people and companies. Working closely with our customers helps to create partnerships between the companies but it also opens the door to new personal friendships. I launched my NDE career 16 years ago, and I couldn’t be happier.

So, you were employee number one. Making the jump to a start-up had to be a little unnerving. What was it that enticed you to take the risk?

Well, it was the people. I knew I was taking a big chance, but I had tremendous respect for the company’s management. I knew what they stood for and trusted that together we could create something very special here. And in just 5 years we’ve done a phenomenal job.

Working at PNDE is great. There is a genuine openness, and your voice is heard. If you have suggestions for improvements, they are taken seriously. And we have an open-door policy, anytime you want to come in and talk, be it work related or personal, it’s always welcomed.

OK Daniel, last question. Enough about work. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any interesting hobbies?

Well, I don’t know how interesting they are, but I do like to spend as much time as I can outdoors. I like to hunt and fish, and I do a little taxidermy work on the side. I also enjoy woodworking and carpentry. I’ve been keeping busy on some home renovation projects.

Some say that around Christmas time I turn into a Clark Griswold. I have always enjoyed all the lights and want to make sure that the people in my neighborhood get the same enjoyment out of it as I do.

Anyone who has worked for a large company has likely heard someone utter something to the effect of: “I liked it so much better when the company was smaller.”  The truth is, working at a small company has its advantages, many of them.  No matter if you are just launching a career or if you’re a long-time industry veteran, these companies might be just what you need to launch or jumpstart your career.

Here are 5 reasons why a small company might be for you.

1. First and foremost, you’re family

Many smaller companies go out of their way to make employees feel appreciated. This can range from picnics, outings, birthday/anniversary celebrations, to bonuses and profit sharing.  While large companies might offer many of these perks, there’s no denying that most employees who work or have worked for smaller businesses feel a genuine sense of comradery and appreciation that can’t be faked.

2. Measurable Contribution

There’s no greater satisfaction than knowing that you’re contributing to the bigger picture in a meaningful way. In large corporations the impact of an individual is basically incremental and doesn’t move the needle much. Conversely, when you’re on a team of limited size, your contributions have a direct and measurable effect on the company’s success.  In short, you really matter.

3. Ground floor opportunities

Employees at small businesses generally wear many hats. This means that there is ample opportunity to identify a career path of your choosing. Got an idea to improve sales, support, or service? Great! In a small company you’ll have less red tape to work through and suggestions are generally encouraged.

Another perk is, you’ll get plenty of exposure to all sides of the business, from technical and customer service duties to sales, and business support. Many go on to enter management roles as the company grows. In other words, you have a chance to define your job and own it.

4. Personal relationship with co-workers

Teamwork is encouraged in any company. In a small company it’s nonnegotiable.  Here you’ll learn how to support and rely on co-workers in a true team effort.  This not only sharpens your communication and interaction skills, but you’ll quickly learn how to work through challenges and contribute. Because in a small company there’s no time for office politics.

5. You will be the face of the company

Let’s face it, all companies claim to be customer focused.  But are they really?  It’s true that from the president and salesman to the field technician and receptionist, anyone who encounters the customer (or potential customer) becomes the face of the business. And, while this is true for any business, it is especially important for a small company that prides itself on listening and taking action to make sure that expectations aren’t just met – but are exceeded.

It’s all about relationships, people want to do business with people they know and trust. And small businesses owners often empower (in fact expect) employees to do whatever it takes to win and maintain the customer’s trust.

The downside

Let’s face it, working for a small company isn’t for everyone.  You’re not going to be able to skate by, clock out every day at 5:00, or blend into the woodwork.  Everyone must contribute and take ownership of their specific duties.  And some people simply aren’t cut out for the responsibilities that come with life in a small business.

See what PNDE has to offer

If you think that working for a small company might be for you, consider a career with Professional NDE.  We’re looking for people who are passionate, who understand service and accountability, and who want to be a part of something truly unique.  Contact us here and let’s talk.

Need more?

Need more convincing? These are just a few advantages of small company life. Monster.com offers 17 reasons why you should consider working for a small business.  Check it out here.

We’re looking for results-driven NDE/NDT professionals who understand the advantages of a small company, have a passion for customer service, and want to contribute to, and share in, our success. As a part of the PNDE team, you’ll receive full benefits, competitive wages, and opportunity for advancement. But that’s not all, at PNDE we believe that a company’s success should always be shared; and all team members participate in profit sharing!

Take a closer look and you’ll see what makes PNDE unique and why more and more companies are entrusting us with non-destructive inspection.

We are seeking professionals in the following NDT disciplines:

NDT Level II MT, PT, VT, RT, UT Contact, UT Immersion, Eddy Current (Aerospace only) for our Cincinnati, Ohio location.

Also seeking professionals with the following accreditations:

CWI, API 510, API 570, API 653, STI

This position will consist of performing field & laboratory inspections. Individuals interested in this position will need to supply High School Diplomas (or equivalent), training records, and documented approved experience hours.

Minimum Requirements

• Must have 2 or more years of experience.
• Shop math and print reading skills.
• Ability to use computers for data entry.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Ability to effectively communicate with other departments, and customers to solve problems.
• Ability to learn and comply with all company policies and procedures.
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Excellent communication skills written and verbal.
• Applicants must complete a background check, drug screen and have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Work Conditions

• Must be able to wear safety equipment as required by the safety department for personal protection.
• May be required to travel to client locations and sites.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.

Contact: Tiffani Ivins
Phone: 513-465-9559

Company: PNDE Services
State: Ohio
Country: United States

Job Type: Full time
Pay: competitively based on experience

Contact:
Web: www.professionalnde.com
Email: tivins@professionalnde.com

Each year more than 72,000 businesses are launched throughout the United States.  Yet despite solid financial backing, sound business plans, and well-crafted mission statements, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that about 45% of these companies will fail within five years. While success isn’t guaranteed, when a culture of commitment and responsiveness is woven into its fabric and embraced by its people, a company can do more than just survive – it can thrive.

Created on the core principles of Professionalism, Customer Partnerships, and a Unified Team, Professional NDE Services (PNDE) opened its doors in early 2018 to serve industry’s Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) needs. The company hit the ground running as customers were anxious to reconnect with people who not only knew the industry but who understood that service and accountability had become a lost art.

The COVID Years

After just two short years these principles would be put to the ultimate test by an event that would spell the end for many companies. Fortune Magazine reports that during the 2020 global pandemic nearly 100,000 US businesses closed permanently. While most survivors weathered the storm by sacrificing service and downsizing staff, PNDE not only survived without layoffs, but went on to earn 60% financial growth in 2021 and again 2022. Today the company is on pace for another record year.

In March of this year, PNDE celebrated its 5-year anniversary. Within that period the company has seen steady financial growth and has expanded its staff exponentially.

Much is expected of PNDE employees. From senior management to the technicians in the field, each is asked to take ownership and be accountable to do whatever is necessary. For this they are rewarded with job security, competitive salaries, discretionary recognition, and tenure-based profit sharing.

What’s Ahead

In just three years, a modest 900 sq. ft. leased office was vacated in favor of a 10,000 sq.ft. company-owned facility.   And PNDE has recently announced plans to double this Fairfield, Ohio space to over 20,000 sq.ft.

While nobody can predict the future, it’s safe to say that PNDE will continue to rely on its proven formula for success.  According to its founding principals, PNDE will, in the coming years will continue to grow its staff, add service lines, invest in its people, and solidify its partnerships with clients.

In this digital world, it may be hard for some to believe that there’s still a place for anything manual or physical – especially in the engineering realm. And, while it’s true that today’s technologies have cut into the dependence on physical testing, real-world data remains the lifeblood of the product lifecycle.

From product design to troubleshooting in-service equipment, next generation product planning, and all phases in between, testing remains critical to the design, manufacture, quality, performance, and evolution of virtually all products.

Non-Destructive Testing

One can verify that a part, product, or structure meets certain standards in many ways. For example, a car crash test is an example of a testing method where that being tested is destroyed. While this is acceptable for prototype testing, it is not acceptable for in-service equipment or parts coming off the manufacturing line.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), also known as Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), includes a variety of analysis techniques used to evaluate the properties of materials, parts, or systems without causing damage. NDT is widely used in maintenance, certification, safety, or verification scenarios or in a manufacturing environment to verify that a part meets quality standards before being shipped to the OEM or customer.

There are several forms of NDT including Eddy-Current, Liquid Penetrant, Magnetic-Particle, Radiographic, Ultrasonic, and Vibrational testing. Visual inspection is another form of non-destructive testing. There are also several variations/special techniques for some of these methods that can apply to certain applications.

These methods are routinely applied in industries where failure would result in significant hazard or economic loss.  Examples include product quality inspection and weld integrity verification.

Weld Verification

NDT is a common practice used to verify weld integrity for vessels and other structures and in-service equipment found throughout the aerospace, automotive, industrial manufacturing, petrochemical, and power generation industries. This form of testing helps to ensure that the weld has the strength to do the job for which it is intended. For example, lawn mower decks contain structural welds that are designed to withstand vibration up to a specific level. But welds on a bridge structure are more critical. Manufacturers must be sure that the weld can handle tremendous loads and move without cracking.

Professional NDE Services Group offers third-party assistance for all NDT methods. The company’s emphasis is on responsive, reliable, and professional customer service and its services include Level 3 services, training, audits, and Best-Practice implementation. The company’s Business Development Manager Mark Koehler says that weld failure can be traced to any number of areas.

“Weld failure is often traced to over-cycling, over-stressing, it might also be simply under-designed. Or in other words, the engineering wasn’t correct on the front end. Improper weld technique can also cause failure — such as if the weld hasn’t properly fused to the base material. Obviously, any inherent defects that are present in the weld can propagate and cause the weld to crack or otherwise fail.”

Koehler sums it up by explaining, “Weld failure can be traced to any number of areas from engineering, design, and materials, to processes, conditions, or workmanship. Non-destructive testing allows welds to be evaluated before failure can occur.”

Read the entire article here in Power & Motion Magazine.