Becoming a Nondestructive Test Examining Worker at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

In the high-stakes world of maritime defense, structural integrity can mean the difference between operational success and catastrophic failure. At the center of this vital defense infrastructure is the nondestructive testing (NDT) professional. These skilled workers use specialized methods to inspect ships, submarines, and critical components without causing damage to the materials.

The Department of the Navy is currently seeking qualified, motivated individuals to step into the role of Nondestructive Test Examining Worker at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. Operating within the Quality Assurance Office, this position offers technicians a unique pathway to secure a stable, high-paying federal career while directly contributing to the safety and readiness of our nation’s submarine fleet.

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About the Agency: The Department of the Navy

The Department of the Navy represents a world-class team where civilian talents and military missions unite. Working as a civilian employee within the Navy provides an unparalleled environment of stability, professional growth, and purpose.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located in Kittery, Maine, is one of the nation’s preeminent public shipyards. Established in 1800, this historic facility is dedicated to the overhaul, repair, and modernization of the Navy's nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Working here means joining a tight-knit community of dedicated craftspeople, engineers, and quality assurance professionals who take pride in delivering exceptional work to protect sailors on active duty.

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Job Responsibilities

As a Nondestructive Test Examining Worker, your daily duties are essential to ensuring the structural soundness of naval vessels. Working within the NDT Inspection Branch, you will perform a range of routine yet highly precise inspection procedures.

Key responsibilities include:

• Performing NDT Inspections: Conducting critical visual inspections (VT), magnetic particle inspections (MT), and liquid penetrant inspections (PT) on various metallic structures and welded assemblies.
• Equipment Calibration: Making precise adjustments, setups, and calibrations on NDT tools—including MT yokes, measurement scales, protractors, and high-power magnification lenses—to guarantee test accuracy.
• Interpreting Results: Analyzing test patterns and indications based on approved naval technical manuals, acceptance standards, and specifications.
• Reading Technical Documentation: Reviewing engineering blueprints, structural sketches, work orders, and technical procedures to master the functional geometry of inspected parts.
• Safety and Environmental Stewardship: Training in hazardous waste management procedures and successfully qualifying as a certified radiation worker to safely operate active inspection systems.

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Requirements and Qualifications

Federal wage system positions place their emphasis on the quality of your hands-on experience rather than a strict measurement of time. To qualify for this role, you must satisfy the fundamental "screen-out" element: the ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen.
• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Drug Screen: Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and participate in ongoing random drug testing programs.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience performing liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, and visual inspections, and manipulating calibrated equipment.
• Blueprint Literacy: Competency in reviewing and understanding multi-view blueprints and complex sketches to locate weld lines and critical stress points.

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Salary and Career Progression

This position is classified under the Federal Wage System (FWS) as a Wage Grade 08 (WG-08). FWS positions offer competitive hourly wages with regular adjustments for local cost-of-living differences.

• Starting Salary: $32.21 to $37.58 per hour.
• Grade Levels: Hired initially at the WG-08 level.
• Promotion Potential: This position offers exceptional upward mobility, featuring a structured development track up to the WG-11 grade level. As your skills, certifications, and independence increase, so does your grade and compensation.

Position Grade Comparison

Position Characteristic	WG-08 (Entry Level)	WG-11 (Target Level)
Supervision Level	Normal supervision; routine tasks	Independent operation; minimal oversight
NDT Certifications	MT/PT/VT certifications	Advanced certifications (e.g., UT/RT)
Work Scope	Standard component inspections	Complex structural and system-level evaluations
Instruction Formats	Clear blueprints and written procedures	Interpreting ambiguous or unique specs
Hazardous Materials	Basic handling and radiation safety training	Lead radiation worker or hazard oversight

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Comprehensive Federal Benefits

Joining the federal workforce provides peace of mind through a comprehensive benefits package that outpaces many private-sector options. Civilian careers with the Department of the Navy include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision: Premium options under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
• Retirement Security: Dual-source retirement through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% matching.
• Paid Time Off: Paid annual vacation leave, sick leave, and 11 observed federal holidays.
• Professional Development: Continual training, on-the-job career mentoring, and agency-funded industrial certifications.

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

To apply for this vacancy, you must submit a complete application package through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date of December 11, 2026. Follow these steps to ensure your application is processed successfully:

1. Create/Update your USAJOBS Profile: Visit USAJOBS and set up your personal account.
2. Build Your Federal Resume: Use the built-in USAJOBS Resume Builder. Make sure to clearly outline your past employers, complete start/end dates (MM/YYYY), average hours worked per week, and specific NDT duties.
3. Keep it under Two Pages: Resumes for this position are strictly limited to two pages. Any pages exceeding this limit will be ignored, which could cause you to lose credit for vital experience.
4. Complete the Assessment Questionnaire: Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly. Your answers must align perfectly with the facts documented in your resume.
5. Upload Required Documents: Submit your completed resume, active trade certificates, transcripts (if utilizing education), and veteran documentation (DD-214 or SF-15, if applicable).
6. Final Submit: Submit the package and monitor your dashboard for status updates.

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Pro-Tips for a Winning Application

• Highlight Screen-Out Competencies: Use phrases that explicitly show you have calibrated MT yokes, applied liquid penetrants, read engineering blueprints, and performed visual tests under standard trade tolerances.
• Format Dates and Hours Cleanly: The federal HR department will discount experience if you omit your weekly hours (e.g., "40 hours/week") or use vague dates. Be precise.
• Do Not Send Hard Copies: Resumes sent via postal mail or directly to agency email addresses will be destroyed. All applications must go through the online USAJOBS portal.

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If you are a detail-oriented technician looking to transition your nondestructive testing skills into a stable, lifelong career, this position with the Department of the Navy is an exceptional fit. Operating out of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, you will gain access to world-class trade training, premium federal benefits, and the pride of knowing your daily work ensures the safety of active-duty Navy personnel. Align your technical expertise with a patriotic purpose and submit your application today.