Chief Examiner
Nathan joined the Argyll Ruane Argyll Ruane team in February 2023 as a Level 3 Consultant, Trainer and Examiner. In February 2025, Nathan was promoted into the role of Chief Examiner.
Nathan is a registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng), with over 14 years’ experience working in NDT across a multitude of sectors, including rail, manufacturing, general engineering (fabrication, machine shop and welding) nuclear, oil & gas.
His expertise includes conducting NDT in accordance with scheduled maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) within the rail sector; and providing NDE technical support to the Rolls Royce small modular reactor project, looking at design for inspection and manufacturing at an early stage for heavy pressure vessels and pipework.
His role as Chief Examiner involves leading the day-to-day operations of the department, assuming full responsibility for the technical and quality aspects of the examination process. This includes supporting other examiners, ensuring technical support is available, moderating the examination process, ensuring compliance with BINDT and PCN regulations, and maintaining strict control over examination documents and specimens.
Nathan also supports the provision of Level 3 Consultancy Services to clients from time to time.
How did you first hear about the NDT industry?
“After completing university with a BSc in Sport Science, I worked in the health industry for several years until around 2011, where I was informed of a traineeship opportunity within NDT. I had never heard about NDT prior to this point, but the role sounded interesting and so I decided to take the plunge into a new career.
As part of the traineeship I gained visual testing, magnetic testing and penetrant testing qualifications, and later undertook PMI (XRF analysis) and hardness testing.”
What do you enjoy about working in NDT?
“You get to see a lot of interesting things that you may not normally get to see (such as the likes of Heineken brewery and the Walkers crisp factory!), as well as getting to travel to places you may not get to go. I’ve also travelled a lot in the UK.
Top tips for anyone entering the industry
“Never turn down training and development opportunities, you never know what lies around the corner!”
Nathan’s favourite:
Film: Heat
Holiday: Japan
Food: Any form of chicken!
Drink: Gin & Tonic
Qualifications and Certifications
Engineering Council Registration – Incorporated Engineer
Member of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (MInstNDT)
Member of the American Society for Non-destructive Testing
BSc in Non-Destructive Testing
PCN Level 2: Eddy Current Testing of Welds
PCN Level 2: Magnetic Particle Testing
PCN Level 2: Penetrant Testing
PCN Level 2: Ultrasonic Testing of Forgings, Welds and Railway Axles
PCN Level 2: Visual Testing
PCN Level 3: Eddy Current Testing of Welds
PCN Level 3: Magnetic Particle Testing
PCN Level 3: Penetrant Testing
PCN Level 3: Ultrasonic Testing of Forgings, Welds
PCN Level 3: Visual Testing
ASNT Level III: Electromagnetic Testing
ASNT Level III: Magnetic Particle Testing
ASNT Level III: Ultrasonic Testing
Awards and contributions to industry
BINDT NDT Engineer of the Year 2023 – 2024 award
Chair of the ASNT North Atlantic Section
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