ASNT recently released a new video series, “This is NDT: Technicians,” which highlights the importance and diversity of Level II inspectors and technicians throughout the NDT profession. These technicians are behind the safety of so many things that are essential to our daily lives, from infrastructure, pipelines, airplanes, and welds, to the hardware used in NASA’s spacecraft. NDT technicians come from a variety of backgrounds and serve many industries, all with the mission of keeping the public safe. Over the next few months, we will feature these inspiring individuals and learn more about them.
First up, meet Carly Danyel Cramblit.
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HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INVOLVED IN NDT?
During an all-hands meeting, our quality/safety manager said they needed to hire a weld inspector unless someone present had any interest. As a 14-year lead mechanical engineering tech IV interested in career advancement, I knew this was for me. I had no clue what I was getting into and quickly found there is a lot more to welding and materials than one might think—however, if I can learn it, anyone can.
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WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORKDAY?
The METTS contract supports many NASA organizations projects and programs including test operations. A day might consist of qualifying new welders, performing structural steel inspections using visual testing (VT), magnetic particle (MT) and liquid penetrant testing (PT), or maybe radiographic testing (RT) non-high-pressure cryogenic piping used for testing liquid propulsion rocket engines, thrusters, nozzles, or injectors. Another day might be VT and PT inspection on fluid pump housing and stationary bowls for the Space Station. As part of the quality team, I also provide quality oversight for test article assembly and installation as well as documenting facility baselines. [Hear more about Carly’s work here.]
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WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
We have an exceptional crew of talented and skilled technicians and trades here. The best part for me is working together to ensure the products and services we are providing our customer are top-notch. The most rewarding part is knowing you support the success of many NASA missions, including Artemis and the Space Station’s Environmental Control & Life Support System.
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WHAT CAN INDUSTRY DO TO ENCOURAGE CAREERS IN NDT?
Exposure is key. I haven’t looked at any statistics, but how many women know that NDT exists? The career expos are great, but we need to be showing up in high schools and vocational tech schools to talk about NDT—what it is, what it does, where it’s used, the job market, and salary potential.
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HOW HAS NDT CHANGED FOR WOMEN DURING YOUR CAREER?
More and more women are getting into the NDT industry. I know a few who are star performers that any company would be proud to have. It’s my hope that this trend continues.
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WHAT’S BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE ON THIS JOURNEY?
The greatest challenge is that there is a lot of knowledge and skills one must acquire to be proficient. Mathematical calculations as they apply to method inspections, multiple codes of construction, requirements for personnel certification, material properties, welding, additive manufacturing, and the list goes on, but wait! I have good news. You don’t have to know it all to be good at what you do! Just start.
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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO WOMEN CONSIDERING CAREERS IN NDT?
Do it! You won’t regret it!
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WOULD YOU SHARE WITH US A PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL BUCKET LIST ITEM?
Not work related, but I would love to vacation in New Zealand and Bora Bora.
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Carly Danyel Cramblit is NDE Level III for Radial Solutions Inc. (METTS-III Contract) AWS CWI, ASNT ACCP Level II (VT), NAS 410 Level III (MT and PT), Level II (RT) Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL.
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Adapted from the March 2023 issue of Materials Evaluation. Digital ME is available free to all ASNT members.