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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:Â
- UAS / drones (visual inspection and photogrammetry)Â
- 3D laser scanning (LiDAR) Advanced digital capture technologiesÂ
- Collect and process field data into 3D models / digital twins Inspection reports and condition asses
Conduct inspections on:Â
- Â Piping systems
- Â Pressure vesselsÂ
- Â Storage tanksÂ
- Â 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
- Â Assist in developing innovative inspection methodologies combining traditional and advanced techniquesÂ
- Â Interpret data to identify:Â Corrosion, Wall loss Defects and anomalies
- Â Prepare and deliver technical reports for clients
- Â 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 fieldÂ
-  Willingness to work in field environments (plants, refineries, outdoor conditions) • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skillsÂ
- Ability to travel as requiredÂ
Preferred (Nice to Have):
 FAA Part 107 Drone License • Experience with:
- Â LiDAR or 3D laser scanning o Photogrammetry / reality capture software
- Â Exposure to NDT or inspection methods
- Â Familiarity with industry standards (API, ASME)
- Experience with data processing tools or 3D modeling platforms
What Makes This Role UniqueÂ
   • 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 EnvironmentÂ
  • Primarily field-based in industrial facilitiesÂ
  • Combination of: Outdoor work o Climbing, confined spaces (as required)
  • Use of advanced technical equipment and toolsÂ
 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
Why Join UsÂ
Be part of a team building the future of industrial inspection
 • Hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technology
 • Strong growth path in a high-demand, specialized field
 • Dynamic work environment — not a desk job
Benefits:
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- 401(k) w/matching
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
*** Apave America Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and other protected characteristics. ***
We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees.Â
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