At OnestopNDT, we are pleased to present an insightful conversation with Billy Jordan, Tank and Robotics Manager at TechCorr USA. From his early beginnings in the U.S. Navy to building an impressive career spanning nearly two decades at TechCorr, Billy’s journey reflects resilience, growth, and a forward-looking vision for inspection practices. With hands-on experience in radiography, tank inspections, robotics, turnarounds, and leadership, he has become a strong advocate for safety, innovation, and mentorship in the NDT industry. In this interview, Billy shares his professional journey, the evolution of inspection practices, and the growing role of robotics and technology in shaping the future.
Hi Billy, welcome to OnestopNDT. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Could you start by sharing your professional journey—from serving in the U.S. Navy to now leading as Tank and Robotics Manager at TechCorr USA?
Thank you for having me. It is my pleasure to answer your questions today. I joined the Navy after high school when I decided that I needed to do something to better myself from the teenage life I was living. Serving in the U.S. Navy is something that still resonates with me today. It gave me the drive and determination to always do my best and learn all I can in any job setting I have been in. It taught me teamwork and leadership skills. I still miss my time serving and have a deep respect for those who have served and are still serving this great country. This eventually led to my career in this industry, starting as a Radiographer Assistant and working my way to where I am today. I still take those values I learned in the U.S. Navy and have used them in my career to always excel and learn new techniques and technological advances in our industry.
You have been with TechCorr for nearly two decades, growing from a Level II technician to a leadership role. What has kept you motivated to stay and grow with one organization for so long?
It’s funny you bring that up, as I recently celebrated 18 years with TechCorr on September 7th. TechCorr gave me the opportunity to enter this industry with no experience. I took that opportunity to learn as much as possible about the industry and gain experience and knowledge that would lead to obtaining Level II certifications and eventually API certifications. What always kept me motivated was the owner, Vincent Summa. He cared deeply for his employees and had great knowledge of the industry. He would talk to even the newest employee to motivate them in their career. He motivated me to want to provide the best possible service to our clients as a representative of him and TechCorr. I have a deep level of pride in what I do.
Your role as Tank and Robotics Manager combines traditional inspection expertise with advanced technology. How do you see robotics transforming tank inspections and overall NDT practices?
Tank Robotics has been around for quite some time now. TechCorr has been providing these services to our clients long before I joined this division. Over the last few years, it has been advancing, and we continue to provide this service to many clients around the world. We are also looking into new and exciting ways to advance the services we provide. Tank Robotics utilizes advanced technologies for in-service tank inspections to eliminate the need for tank cleaning, personnel entry, and downtime required for inspections. This allows our clients to extend their inspection intervals and plan their budgetary needs for the next out-of-service inspection. The costs associated with emptying, cleaning, inspection, and repair can be quite significant. We assist our clients by offering this service as an option.
You hold multiple API certifications (510, 570, 653, TES, STI SP001). From your experience, how do these certifications strengthen inspection quality and client trust in industries like oil & gas?
The inspection codes associated with these certifications are just as important. As inspectors, we follow the requirements of these codes—whether during construction, inspection, or repair. Using these codes along with our knowledge and experience, we can provide the client with the best options available for whatever phase we are tasked with. The inspector, along with NDE technicians, work together to provide a quality service. The quality of the inspection will always depend on the individuals involved. NDE and inspection companies strive to build trust with their clients by providing the best services possible through highly certified personnel. I have had the pleasure of being around and working with some of the best in the business here at TechCorr.
Having worked extensively in turnarounds and shutdowns, what are some of the biggest challenges you face in executing inspections under tight timelines, and how do you overcome them?
Turnarounds and shutdowns can be very overwhelming and chaotic. I attribute it to working on an aircraft carrier—we always called it well-orchestrated chaos. I have both worked and led turnaround and shutdown operations. The biggest challenges I have faced have been working with client operations for different stages of cleaning for inspections and ensuring the quality of inspectors and technicians working on these operations. Safety is always at the forefront during these operations, but there is an unspoken sense of urgency to have all equipment completed and ready to be placed back in service. This can lead to cutting corners and unsafe practices by all involved. Communication is key when dealing with client operations and providing inspection services. Knowing how and when to utilize stop work authority is vital. I have been fortunate to have worked through many situations where all parties involved came together to do the right thing and complete the projects effectively and safely.
Over your 16+ years in the industry, what major changes have you observed in inspection practices, and how have those changes influenced the way you approach your work today?
Best safe practices have been the biggest changes I have seen. Safety has evolved over the years with improvements that assist inspection practices. For instance, confined space entry for inspection can put all personnel involved in life-threatening situations. Working with site operations and your inspection team to understand the dangers involved ensures everyone goes home safely. What might seem so simple as a pre-job safety meeting or walking down a blind list can really put safety at the front of your mind. We all want to ensure everyone goes home to their families.
As someone who has led teams and projects, what qualities do you believe are essential for managing inspection crews effectively in high-risk environments?
Leading teams is a big responsibility. You have to ensure your team understands the tasks at hand, the dangers associated, and how to complete them as safely as possible. It is essential to know your team and their strengths and weaknesses. For example, having Short Service Employees work with personnel with more experience, or knowing the level of experience of each employee and how to best utilize their skills for each inspection task. Every job can be high-risk, and it is important to always know your team and how best to listen and lead them to complete the job safely.
Projects have many moving parts and personnel involved. It is essential to know the project’s inspection goals and timeline for completion. This again comes down to your team and safe work practices. Projects can take weeks to years to complete. It is crucial to ensure your team does not become complacent in these working environments.
With robotics and UAVs becoming more common in inspections, where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth in their application over the next 5–10 years?
Robotics and UAV systems continue to evolve almost every year. The applications for these systems are discussions that happen daily. I have had many discussions with fellow inspectors on how to best utilize the current systems while thinking of new options that we would like to see in the future. I see their application growing significantly over the next 5–10 years. From experience, however, vendors creating these technologies would benefit from having discussions with experienced inspectors about our needs for utilizing these systems. I have seen many new advanced robotics and UAV systems that were working to come to market but revealed their limitations after feedback from inspectors. This has led to some systems never coming to fruition. I invite all vendors to speak with field inspectors.
In your career, you have moved from hands-on inspection to leadership and technology management. How has this shift shaped your perspective on the importance of mentorship and training the next generation of inspectors?
I honestly have a dual role. I continue to work in the field while providing mentorship and training at a hands-on level, while also taking a management role when needed. It is important to me to pass down all knowledge and train the next generation of technicians and inspectors. This has been vital during my career, which is why I have kept all Level II certifications I have obtained.
You’ve also had experience in roles like Gulf Coast Operations Manager and QC/RSO. How important is quality control and safety culture in ensuring long-term success in the inspection industry?
TechCorr has provided numerous growth opportunities, allowing me to serve in various roles. In Operations, I focused on safety across sites and regularly visited to address employee concerns. Collaboration with site teams improved client relations and maintained a safe work environment for successful project outcomes.
As QC/RSO, I ensured both radiation safety and service quality by conducting surprise field audits and film/job site reviews. Issues were discussed directly with personnel to highlight safety priorities and identify areas for improvement.
Outside of your professional life in NDT and inspection, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy that help you stay balanced and refreshed?
I am a big nerd and collector. I enjoy collecting statues, action figures, comic books, and video games. I also play guitar and draw. I currently run three YouTube channels and an online store, which take most of my free time. I enjoy attending conventions when I can and capturing footage of these events to share with my community on YouTube.
Looking at your journey, what has been the most memorable project or challenge you’ve worked on, and what lessons did it teach you about leadership in NDT?
My most memorable project was my first turnaround project that I led. That was an experience I can never forget, as I was tasked with being the lead despite having never led shutdown inspection operations before. It was a challenge that helped shape my career in a good way, and I can thank my mentor and Site Manager, David Beck, for his belief in me to take on this responsibility and for pushing me to seize the opportunity.
Finally, Billy, as someone who has witnessed industry transformation firsthand, how do you view platforms like OnestopNDT? Do you believe they help professionals connect, share knowledge, and stay ahead of evolving inspection technologies?
I have enjoyed seeing how platforms such as OnestopNDT put information out about the ever-changing industry. It allows professionals to connect, share industry knowledge, and have discussions or share experiences.
Thank you, Billy, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your experiences in inspections, robotics, and mentorship will inspire many in the NDT community.
