In this exclusive interview, we are delighted to welcome Justin Cavanagh, Managing Director of Industrial Mining Inspection Solutions (IMIS) and CEO of A1 Engineering & Maintenance. With over two decades of hands-on experience, starting as an NDT Technician and progressing to leadership roles across mining and heavy industry, Justin has built a career defined by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to quality. From rope access inspections to leading organizations that solve complex industrial challenges, his journey reflects both technical excellence and visionary leadership.
In our conversation, Justin shares his professional journey, insights on the future of NDT, the importance of culture and competence in inspection operations, and his personal passions beyond the workplace.
Hello Justin, welcome to OnestopNDT. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. To begin with, could you please introduce yourself to our audience and share a glimpse of your professional journey from your early days as an NDT Technician to your current leadership roles as Managing Director at Industrial Mining Inspection Solutions and CEO of A1 Engineering & Maintenance?
Thanks for having me. I started out over 20 years ago as an NDT Technician, boots on the ground, doing inspections with companies like Rio Tinto and other big mining industries. Those early years taught me a lot about hard work, high standards, and how critical inspections are for keeping people and operations safe. Today, as Managing Director at Industrial Mining Inspection Solutions (IMIS) and CEO at A1 Engineering & Maintenance, I still draw on that field experience daily in how I lead and make decisions.
You have had a career spanning more than two decades, starting from hands-on inspection roles and moving into senior leadership. What initially attracted you to the field of NDT, and how did your early experiences with companies like Rio Tinto and CCI Pope shape your career path?
What attracted me was the combination of science and problem-solving with real-world impact. You’re not just ticking boxes—you’re protecting assets and people. Working across large mining operations early on set a high bar for quality and consistency, which shaped the way I approach the work and the teams I build.
Industrial Mining Inspection Solutions has built a strong reputation for solving complex inspection challenges that many others consider “too hard.” What inspired you to establish and lead this organization, and what sets IMIS apart from others in the industry?
IMIS was born from a simple idea: take on the jobs others put in the “too-hard” basket. We focus on practical, fit-for-purpose solutions—technical rigour without unnecessary complexity. What differentiates us is our culture: we partner closely with clients, we’re responsive, and we deliver safely and reliably in challenging environments.
Looking back, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the early years of IMIS, and how did you and your team overcome them?
The biggest early hurdles were credibility and capability—proving we could deliver and assembling the right team. We said yes to challenging work, executed well, and built trust one project at a time. That momentum led to repeat business, referrals, and a strong reputation in our sectors.
Having also taken up the role of CEO at A1 Engineering & Maintenance, how do you balance the demands of leading two organizations, and what synergies do you see between them?
It’s busy, but the two organizations complement each other. IMIS ensures asset integrity through inspection, while A1 provides the engineering and maintenance solutions to act on those findings. Clients get a seamless path from inspection to remediation, which improves safety, reduces downtime, and simplifies project delivery.
Could you share more about your experience in rope access NDT and how it has influenced the way IMIS approaches inspection solutions in mining and heavy industry?
Rope access NDT taught me a lot about precision, planning, and safety in difficult environments. That discipline flows through our whole approach at IMIS—whether on ropes, scaffolds, or plants, we design methods that are safe, efficient, and deliver reliable data for decision-making.
The NDT industry is evolving rapidly with digital transformation, automation, and AI-driven inspection tools. From your perspective, how do you see these changes impacting mining inspection services and the broader NDT sector?
Digital workflows, automation, and AI are changing the industry for the better—faster acquisition, better traceability, and improved decision quality. In mining and heavy industry, that translates to safer inspections and less downtime. Technology won’t replace competent people; it will amplify their judgment and consistency.
Given your background in technical control and management, what do you believe are the key factors that help maintain quality, reliability, and safety in inspection operations?
Three pillars: competent people, clear procedures, and the right culture. Competence comes from training and mentoring; procedures provide consistency and traceability; culture ensures we never compromise on safety or quality. Regular audits and continuous improvement close the loop.
You recently participated as a panelist in OnestopNDT’s NDT Talks discussion series. How was your experience from that session and your thoughts on how such initiatives contribute to knowledge sharing within the global NDT community?
It was a great opportunity to share practical insights and learn from peers globally. Platforms like NDT Talks help break down silos and spread good practice. The more we exchange real experiences—not just theory—the stronger the industry becomes.
As someone who has transitioned from being an NDT Technician to a Managing Director, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to grow into leadership positions within the NDT industry?
Stay curious and stay hands-on as long as you can. The best leaders understand the work at ground level. Seek mentors, invest in your certifications, and don’t shy away from complex jobs—they’re where you learn the most. Communicate clearly, look after your people, and let the results speak for themselves.
Moving beyond work for a moment—what are some of your hobbies or activities outside of NDT that you are most passionate about?
Outside of NDT, I’m really into cars. I enjoy classic restorations, following new automotive tech, and getting under the bonnet when time allows. It’s hands-on, satisfying, and a complete change of pace from work.
Do you find that your personal interests contribute in some way to your professional life, perhaps in how you lead teams or approach problem-solving?
Cars demand precision, patience, and problem-solving—exactly the traits you need in inspections and leadership. There’s also a continuous improvement mindset in the automotive world that I identify with: diagnose, fix, test, and refine.
What are your views on OnestopNDT as a global platform? Do you believe our initiatives—through interviews, panel discussions, and knowledge-sharing—are helping the NDT industry by delivering authentic insights and connecting professionals across the globe?
OnestopNDT does a solid job connecting professionals, sharing authentic insights, and elevating the profile of NDT worldwide. Interviews, panels, and knowledge-sharing help align expectations across regions and raise the overall standard of practice.
Thank you, Justin, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your experiences from technician to industry leader will surely inspire many in the NDT community.
