Meet Quinton LeJeune: From USAF to ASNT NDT Technician

By Jill Ross

.

“This is NDT: Technicians” is a short video series that showcases the diversity and importance of Level II NDT inspectors and technicians who work out in the field to ensure the safety and reliability of the things we use every day. This two-time award-winning series offers a look into aerospace, oil and gas, research and development, and more, all through the eyes of the individuals who have made NDT a career.

Let’s learn more about Field Application Engineer Quinton LeJeune.

.

.

HOW DID YOU BEGIN YOUR CAREER IN NDT? 

I first became involved in NDT in the US Air Force. I joined USAF in 2008 and went through tech school at NAS Pensacola learning the basics in liquid penetrant testing (PT), magnetic particle testing (MT), ultrasonic testing (UT), eddy current testing (ECT), radiographic testing, and radiation safety. At my first duty station, I inspected F-16 fighter jets. Most of the plane was nonferrous, so most of our inspections were ECT and PT. We also inspected support equipment for the engine shop using MT for lifting hooks and other support equipment.

.

ARE YOU CERTIFIED?

I am currently an ASNT NDT Level III in UT. UT is my favorite method of testing. I wasn’t able to get a lot of UT experience while in USAF, so I made it a goal to learn as much as I could about the method once my enlistment was over. I also have the API 570 certification on corrosion and materials.

.

IS YOUR WORK FOCUSED ON A PARTICULAR FIELD?

My current position is focused on petrochemical and refineries. We monitor piping systems, pressure vessels, and storage tanks for localized and generalized internal corrosion.

.

.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORKDAY?

I install remote ultrasonic sensors on piping systems, pressure vessels, and storage tanks. The sensors are placed on the thickness monitoring locations designated by the customer. Instead of couplant we use a two-part epoxy that permanently adheres the sensors to the customer’s equipment. The sensors are connected to coaxial cable that is routed to the main system, which sends A-scan and temperature readings to our corrosion dashboard, which is accessible to our customers to review corrosion trends, long- and short-term corrosion rates, and remaining life. The sensors use pulse-echo zero-degree technology. All the parameters can be set remotely, which gives us the freedom to make adjustments whenever needed.

.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR A TECHNICIAN TO ADVANCE THEIR CAREER IN NDT?

Be proactive with your training and certification. Your supervisor might not notice that you are ready to reach a new level or that you would be better suited for a different role. Sometimes you can get stuck in a position that doesn’t satisfy your career ambitions, so always invest in yourself.

If you want to learn a certain inspection technique, there are training facilities nationwide. You have access to study materials in every method and technique through ASNT, and ASNT also provides testing centers to get certified on your own if your current job doesn’t provide you with training.

.

WOULD YOU SHARE WITH US A PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL BUCKET LIST ITEM?

Although I do enjoy doing inspections, problem solving, and analyzing any relevant indications, I would like to move into an engineering role. My professional bucket list is to earn a degree in mechanical engineering. The next step in my career would be to transition to the design side of NDT—developing phased array, TOFD, single-element, and guided wave transducers and sensors.

Adapted from the March 2023 issue of Materials Evaluation. Digital ME is available free to all ASNT members.

________

.

Jill Ross is Director of Publications at ASNT, jross@asnt.org.

Quinton LeJeune began his nondestructive testing (NDT) career through free training offered during his time serving in the United States Air Force. He now works as a field applications engineer.