In our article series “Testia Experts”, we present short interviews with our employees – the experts that really make Testia what it is. In this issue we speak with Paulina Jiménez, who is our expert from the frontlines of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Mexico.
You can also watch this interview on YouTube.
Presenting herself
Hello, my name is Paulina Jimenez and I’m part of the Testia México team.
What inspired you to pursue a career in NDT?
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a constantly evolving field. There is always something new to apply, learn or develop. It was ultrasound that first drew my attention to NDT. At first, ultrasound seemed complex and abstract because you could only see the graph of echoes, which is where the magic starts. This made me wonder what was going on and what I could see. Once you learn the principles, you can visualise how the waves travel through the material and the angles, and so on. However, you then encounter more complex questions. I believe ultrasound is a method through which you can visualise your own evolution. Generally, we all start with thickness measurement, then move on to dimensioning and flaw detection, before finally applying or even developing advanced techniques.
What does one of your typical work days look like?
My main activities are related to the training of NDT personnel. This involves preparing all the material for lessons and practical sessions, and then delivering the training. I like this activity because it allows me to delve deeper into the subject. Essentially, you must master the subject in order to synthesise and then convey it.
Another of my activities involves inspecting parts at customer sites or in our own facilities. I find this interesting because it enables me to learn about different use cases. Finally, there are the administrative tasks involved in following up on business.
Is there any NDT method you would like to master or in which you see great potential for the future?
I would like to master ultrasonic and eddy current methods. I believe that ultrasound advanced techniques have high potential for the future.
Watch the video interview on YouTube
Thanks for taking the time for this interview!
Are you interested in also becoming a Testia expert? Visit our career page to find out about our current job offers!