Steven Saavedra

Radiographer and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) specialist with experience in aerospace, defense, additive manufacturing, and scientific R&D.

I am well versed in a variety of NDE methods, including ultrasonics (UT), radiography (RT), magnetic particle inspection (MT), liquid penetrant inspection (PT), eddy current (ET), visual inspection (VT), and mass spectrometer leak detection (LT).

While my experience with radiography includes film, computed radiography, and digital radiography on systems with energies ranging from tens of kilo-electron volts to tens of mega-electron volts. I specialize in microfocus computed tomography (CT).

In addition to acquiring and reconstructing radiographic data utilizing advanced reconstruction techniques and custom software, I pride myself on the unique ability to analyze CT data and provide valuable data insights by employing Hexagon's Volume Graphics software.

I am passionate about applying NDE to ensure the safety and reliability of engineered systems and for the furtherance of the national security of the United States of America. I am dedicated to continuously improving my skills and knowledge through ongoing learning and professional development.

Currently, I support the National Nuclear Security Administration’s missions working at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where I maintain a DOE Q clearance.
I am zealous about furthering my knowledge of and supporting our multiple missions of strategic deterrence and global security.

Certified as a high explosives handler through an intensive year of formal training, I attended Texas A&M’s Explosives Safety Applications for National Laboratories course and successfully passed my board hosted by the nation's leading experts in explosives.

Outside of my responsibilities at the laboratory, I am the acting Vice Chairman of the California Bay Area chapter of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing.

I am currently a student at DeVry University where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. I plan on applying this newly learned knowledge and new skills toward my work in NDE.