847 - Advanced Inspection Engineer (Drone & 3D Scanning)

Apave

$70K — $95K *
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, industrial engineering, or related field.
  • Willingness to work in diverse field environments.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and effective problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to travel as needed for field inspections.

Responsibilities

  • Perform field inspections using drones and advanced 3D scanning technologies.
  • Collect and process data into 3D models and digital twins for analysis.
  • Conduct inspections on piping systems, pressure vessels, tanks, and structures.
  • Support and execute advanced NDT techniques like GUL, EMAT, and PEC.
  • Assist in innovating inspection methodologies combining traditional and new technologies.
  • Interpret inspection data to identify corrosion, wall loss, and defects.
  • Prepare and deliver comprehensive technical reports to clients.

Benefits

  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) with matching
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
Full Job Description
Advanced Inspection Engineer (Drone & 3D Scanning) Location: Houston, TX (Field-Based)

Industry: Oil & Gas / Petrochemical / Industrial Services

This role is particularly well-suited for candidates interested in combining engineering, field operations, and advanced inspection technologies such as drones, LiDAR, and next-generation NDT.

Position Overview: We are seeking a hands-on, technology-driven Advanced Inspection Engineer to join our growing inspection group. This role focuses on leveraging cutting-edge inspection technologies-including drones (UAS), 3D laser scanning, and advanced NDT methods-to evaluate the condition of critical industrial assets. This is an ideal role for engineers who enjoy field work, emerging technologies, and solving real-world problems in challenging industrial environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Perform field inspections using a combination of:
  • UAS / drones (visual inspection and photogrammetry)
  • 3D laser scanning (LiDAR) Advanced digital capture technologies
  • Collect and process field data into 3D models / digital twins Inspection reports and condition asses


Conduct inspections on:
  • Piping systems
  • Pressure vessels
  • Storage tanks
  • Structural assets
  • Support and eventually execute advanced NDT techniques, including Guided Ultrasonic Testing (GUL) Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers (EMAT) Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) Other emerging inspection technologies
  • Assist in developing innovative inspection methodologies combining traditional and advanced techniques
  • Interpret data to identify: Corrosion, Wall loss Defects and anomalies
  • Prepare and deliver technical reports for clients
  • Work closely with operations, engineering, and clients in the field


Qualifications Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering Or related technical field
  • Willingness to work in field environments (plants, refineries, outdoor conditions) • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to travel as required


Preferred (Nice to Have):

FAA Part 107 Drone License • Experience with:
  • LiDAR or 3D laser scanning o Photogrammetry / reality capture software
  • Exposure to NDT or inspection methods
  • Familiarity with industry standards (API, ASME)
  • Experience with data processing tools or 3D modeling platforms


What Makes This Role Unique
• Work with next-generation inspection technology, not just traditional methods
• Blend of engineering + field work + advanced data capture
• Opportunity to grow into specialized areas such as: Advanced NDT (GUL, EMAT, PEC) o Digital inspection / reality capture
  • Technical leadership in emerging inspection methods


Work Environment
• Primarily field-based in industrial facilities
• Combination of: Outdoor work o Climbing, confined spaces (as required)
• Use of advanced technical equipment and tools

Ideal Candidate Profile

Early-career engineer (0-5 years' experience) • Interested in technology + field work • Comfortable learning new tools and working in industrial settings • Self-driven, adaptable, and curious

Benefits:

  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) w/matching
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)

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