NDTtough: 4 questions to Jason Robbins

How did you get into NDT?

Well I grew up in Akron, Ohio – a city which historically was a hub for the automobile tire industry, and my first job (via my college’s electrical engineering Co-Op program) was working for a company that was building machines to X-ray tires. I had no idea what NDT was before that job, and I also had no idea that x-rays and NDT would be integral to my career for the next 30 years and counting.

What does it mean to you to be NDT Tough?

So NDT Tough for me means that this field of expertise can be mentally tough, because one often has to make tough decisions to figure out the best path forward. Making difficult quality decisions isn’t always easy, and it can be quite challenging to find the right solutions to solve unique NDT problems. So no matter if you are making ethical, financial or technical decisions in NDT, you have to be mentally tough to be successful.

How would you describe the significance of your job to a high schooler?

When people build things, they must be sure to build them safely. Safety and quality in manufacturing impacts the whole world; and my job is to help my company build and supply equipment and technology that ensures they can prove that what they've made is safe.

Why should a high schooler consider getting into NDT?

The growing importance of data for quality assurance is undeniable. In the NDT industry today, data-scientists are also playing a crucial role. They can use X-ray technology to provide critical data about their parts and processes that they can use to significantly enhance safety first and foremost, but business efficiency and profitability as well. The industry is experiencing a dynamic upswing. It is not just focused on basic inspections, but also on aspects like artificial intelligence, outcome simulations and loads of data mining. NDT is evolving beyond the realm of traditional 'quality control', and this shift offers a diverse and exciting landscape for anyone passionate about technology and its practical applications.