Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for X-Ray Inspector

🎯 Role Definition

An X-Ray Inspector performs radiographic and digital X‑ray inspections to identify defects, foreign objects, assembly errors, and structural anomalies in products and components across manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, medical device, and food industries. The role combines technical operation of X‑ray/CT equipment, image interpretation, regulatory and safety compliance (radiation protection / ALARA), documentation, and communication with production and quality teams to ensure product integrity and continuous improvement.

Key search phrases: X‑Ray Inspector, radiographic testing (RT), digital radiography (DR), computed tomography (CT), non‑destructive testing (NDT), radiation safety, quality control, foreign object detection (FOD), AS9100, ISO 13485, HACCP.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Quality Inspector or Quality Technician
General Production or Assembly Technician
Radiologic Technician / Junior NDT Technician

Advancement To:

Senior X‑Ray Inspector / Lead Radiographer
NDT Supervisor or Radiography Team Lead
Quality Engineering / NDT Specialist
NDT Manager or Quality Manager

Lateral Moves:

Ultrasonic (UT) or Eddy Current (ET) Inspector
Visual Inspection / Metrology Technician
CT Data Analyst or Failure Analysis Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate industrial X‑ray, digital radiography (DR), and computed tomography (CT) systems to inspect parts, assemblies, circuit boards, and packaged products for internal defects, voids, cracks, inclusions, misalignments, foreign objects, and assembly errors.
Set up and verify X‑ray imaging parameters (kV, mA, exposure time, filters) and optimize image acquisition for variable material densities, thicknesses, and geometries to achieve clear diagnostic images.
Perform real‑time and offline image interpretation, detecting, sizing, and classifying defects against acceptance criteria, engineering drawings, and inspection plans; generate clear pass/fail decisions.
Produce detailed inspection reports with images, annotated findings, defect descriptions, measurements, dispositions, and recommended corrective actions for internal teams and external customers.
Maintain and apply radiation safety protocols (ALARA principles), operate shielding and interlock systems, perform area surveys, and keep radiation exposure records and dosimeter logs current.
Calibrate, validate, and verify X‑ray and CT equipment performance using reference standards, step wedges, penetrameters, and certified artifacts; document calibration and QC checks per procedure.
Adhere to and enforce regulatory and customer requirements such as ASME, AS9100, ISO 9001/13485, FDA, 21 CFR, GMP, HACCP and company SOPs for radiographic inspection and handling.
Classify and log rejection causes and nonconformances in the quality management system (QMS), initiate containment, tag or segregate defective parts, and communicate disposition to production and engineering.
Support root cause investigations of recurring defects by providing image evidence, measurement data, and controlled reinspection of suspect lots; participate in CAPA activities.
Collaborate with engineering, process, and production teams to develop inspection plans, sampling strategies, and control limits that balance sensitivity with throughput and cost.
Perform part fixturing, orientation, and tooling setup for consistent and repeatable X‑ray imaging; design simple fixtures when required to improve image consistency.
Conduct final inspection and verification of reworked or repaired parts and confirm compliance to customer specifications before release.
Operate image post‑processing software (contrast/brightness, filters, measurement tools, CT reconstruction) to enhance defect detectability and extract quantitative metrics.
Support non‑conforming material review boards and customer quality reviews with evidentiary X‑ray images and documented inspection findings.
Manage inspection throughput and workflow to meet production schedules while maintaining inspection integrity and traceability.
Maintain detailed logs, inspection records, and traceability documentation for regulatory audits, customer requests, and internal metrics.
Execute preventive maintenance checks, minor repairs, and cleanliness routines for X‑ray systems and peripherals; coordinate major service with vendor technicians.
Participate in internal and external audits; prepare documentation, assist auditors with equipment and process explanations, and implement corrective actions derived from audit findings.
Train and mentor junior inspectors and cross‑functional staff on safe operation, image interpretation basics, and procedural compliance.
Facilitate customer and supplier inspections at the X‑ray station, including on‑site demonstrations, guided inspections, and transferring image data securely.
Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce false rejects, improve detection sensitivity, and increase inspection efficiency using lean and Six Sigma tools.
Maintain confidentiality and secure handling of proprietary drawings, customer designs, and inspection data in accordance with company policies and NDAs.
Monitor inspection KPIs (yield, false reject rate, throughput) and provide recommendations to leadership for process or equipment improvements.
Ensure proper storage, backup, and secure transfer of digital X‑ray and CT datasets; manage image archives for traceability and failure analysis.

Secondary Functions

Participate in cross‑functional process reviews and design reviews to provide manufacturability and inspectability input early in product development.
Support tooling and fixturing design efforts with feedback on radiographic accessibility and orientation constraints.
Assist safety and facilities teams with shielding assessments and modification proposals as new equipment or product lines are introduced.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of inspection work instructions, control plans, and job aides.
Help implement new inspection technologies (AI-assisted image analysis, automated X‑ray conveyors, inline inspection) and assess readiness for production deployment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Certified NDT/Radiography skills (e.g., ASNT RT Level I or Level II, PCN, SNT-TC-1A) or equivalent demonstrated experience operating industrial X‑ray and CT equipment.
Proficiency with digital radiography (DR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging systems and vendor software (image acquisition, reconstruction, measurement, annotation).
Strong understanding of radiation safety regulations, dosimetry, shielding, interlock systems, and ALARA best practices.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, blueprints, and technical specifications to assess acceptability and locate critical inspection areas.
Experience with defect characterization and classification (voids, porosity, cracks, delamination, solder joint defects, FOD) and applying acceptance criteria.
Equipment calibration and quality control: performing daily/weekly QC checks, using calibration artifacts, and maintaining calibration records.
Proficiency in image post‑processing techniques (filtering, contrast enhancement, edge detection) and quantitative measurement tools.
Familiarity with quality systems and standards: ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, FDA, GMP, HACCP depending on industry.
Basic mechanical aptitude for fixturing, part handling, and small system maintenance; experience interfacing with maintenance and vendor service teams.
Data management skills: archiving large image files, secure transfer protocols, and maintaining traceability in an electronic QMS or LIMS.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and sustained concentration when inspecting high volumes of images.
Clear written and verbal communication to prepare reports and interact with engineers, production, and customers.
Analytical thinking and problem‑solving to support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Time management and prioritization to balance throughput and quality in a production environment.
Collaboration and teamwork: work effectively with cross‑functional teams including quality, production, maintenance, and engineering.
Teaching and coaching ability to train junior inspectors and share best practices.
Adaptability to new technologies, inspection methods, and evolving quality requirements.
Strong ethical standards and discretion when handling proprietary or regulated product information.
Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on reducing waste and improving detection capability.
Resilience and patience when troubleshooting intermittent defects or working under audit conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) with demonstrated on‑the‑job training in X‑ray inspection or related quality roles.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or technical diploma in Non‑Destructive Testing, Radiologic Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electronics, or related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) / Radiography
Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Electronics / Industrial Technology
Radiologic Technology (for medical device or radiography crossover roles)
Quality Assurance / Metrology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years of X‑ray inspection experience for entry to mid roles; 5+ years for senior or lead positions.

Preferred:

2–4+ years operating industrial X‑ray, DR, or CT systems with demonstrated image interpretation and defect classification experience.
Certifications such as ASNT RT Level I/II, PCN Level II Radiography, or equivalent vendor training preferred.
Experience in regulated environments (aerospace AS9100, medical devices ISO 13485, or food safety HACCP/FDA) is a strong plus.