Acoustic Emission (AE) Trainee / Assistant NDE Technician

Posted 7 days ago

mistras groupHouston (TX)

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other Engineering Services

SENIORITY

Junior

Apply

About the role

Acoustic Emission (AE) Trainee / Assistant TechnicianMISTRAS Group is a global leader in technology-enabled asset protection, delivering advanced inspection, engineering, and data monitoring services to ensure the safety, compliance, and uptime of critical industrial infrastructure. The Acoustic Emission (AE) Trainee / Assistant Technician will assist a certified Level II NDE Technician with designated Acoustic Emission testing and structural health monitoring activities while gaining the required field experience and technical knowledge for formal certification. We are seeking a detail-oriented individual with a formal educational background in Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and a strong technical mindset. The ideal candidate will be highly adaptable and enthusiastic about hands-on learning, particularly as it applies to mastering the Acoustic Emission (AE) inspection craft.

Major Responsibilities/Activities: Assist certified technicians with the setup, calibration, and tear-down of Acoustic Emission (AE) data acquisition systems and specialized instrumentation. Place, couple, and secure AE sensors on various structures (e.g., pressure vessels, storage tanks, and piping systems).Perform routine and preventive maintenance tasks, pre-test calibrations, and overall upkeep of testing equipment and facilities. Assist with proper documentation, data logging, and drafting of technical services reports. Learn, absorb, and strictly abide by company safety policies, industry standards (ASTM, ASME), and operating procedures. Monitor testing environments to identify and help mitigate background mechanical or electrical noise that could interfere with data collection.

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completed foundational NDE/NDT training or technical schooling.
Strong mechanical aptitude with an interest in electronics, physics, or data acquisition software.
Ability to perform a wide variety of tasks and respond to short-notice work assignments, which requires occasional out-of-town and overnight travel.
Must be able to effectively communicate with clients, supervisors, and co-workers.
Must possess a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record.
Ability to read technical documents, blueprints, and engineering specifications is preferred.
Proven ability to follow precise technical directions and safety procedures.
Proven ability to adapt to an ever-changing operational schedule.
Working Conditions & Essential Physical Functions:
Environment: Field duties require outdoor work in heavy industrial and plant environments. Working in plant and/or shop areas around production machinery with extreme noise levels.
Mobility: Sufficient personal mobility to maneuver safely within a refinery or plant environment, including the ability to gain access to elevated platforms via ladders, scaffolding, and stairwells.

Travel: May be at more than one job site on a daily basis, must tolerate changes in climate, and must be willing to travel out of town frequently / Must have or be willing to get a passport. International travel will be required for this position.

PPE: Must be able to wear all required safety equipment (PPE) as dictated by the safety department for personal protection. Physical Strength: Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment. Sensory: Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, and vision (with or without reasonable accommodations) to communicate effectively, observe field testing conditions, and conduct structural investigations. MISTRAS strives to provide a positive work environment that values excellence in safety and quality, free from discrimination and harassment. Every MISTRAS employee plays a part in our Company's success and making this a great place to work. We are committed to a work place where all employees are free to raise issues, concerns and questions for the improvement of our operations and work environment. Safety is the overriding priority in everything we do; all duties critical to safety, quality, and environmental protection are carried out in compliance with all requirements and with personal accountability.

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.