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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Equipment Calibrator

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

Skilled TradesManufacturingQuality AssuranceEngineeringMetrology

🎯 Role Definition

As an Equipment Calibrator, you are the cornerstone of our quality and manufacturing integrity. You will be responsible for ensuring that all measurement and test equipment (M&TE) performs to its specified standards. This hands-on role involves testing, calibrating, adjusting, troubleshooting, and maintaining a wide array of electronic, mechanical, and dimensional instrumentation. Your meticulous work guarantees that our products and processes meet stringent regulatory and quality requirements, directly impacting operational excellence and product reliability. You will operate within a certified and/or accredited laboratory environment, upholding the highest standards of metrology and documentation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Electronics Technician
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Military PMEL (Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory) Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Equipment Calibrator
  • Metrology Engineer
  • Calibration Laboratory Supervisor or Manager
  • Quality Assurance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Field Service Engineer
  • Quality Engineer
  • Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform routine and complex calibrations on a diverse range of electronic, mechanical, and electro-mechanical Measurement and Test Equipment (M&TE).
  • Execute calibration procedures for various disciplines, including DC/Low Frequency, RF/Microwave, thermodynamics, physical-dimensional, and pressure/flow instrumentation.
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair malfunctioning instruments and equipment down to the component level to restore proper functionality.
  • Meticulously document all calibration activities, including creating and maintaining detailed calibration records, reports, and certificates in a CMMS or database.
  • Identify and clearly document out-of-tolerance (OOT) conditions, initiating non-conformance reports and collaborating with equipment owners on corrective actions.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical manuals to understand equipment operation and calibration requirements.
  • Adhere strictly to industry standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, ANSI Z540, cGMP, and other relevant regulatory requirements throughout all processes.
  • Maintain primary and/or secondary calibration standards, ensuring they are traceable to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) or other national metrology institutes.
  • Develop, review, and revise calibration procedures and work instructions to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
  • Operate and maintain sophisticated calibration software platforms, such as Fluke MET/CAL or IndySoft, for automated calibration and data management.
  • Calculate and analyze measurement uncertainty for calibration parameters to ensure the validity of results.
  • Perform on-site calibrations at client facilities or other company locations, managing logistics and customer interactions professionally.
  • Install, qualify, and validate new laboratory equipment and instrumentation systems according to established protocols.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to other technicians and engineers regarding metrology principles and equipment usage.
  • Manage the scheduling of calibration and maintenance activities to minimize equipment downtime and impact on production.
  • Maintain the calibration laboratory environment, ensuring it meets temperature, humidity, and cleanliness standards.
  • Prepare for and actively participate in internal and external quality audits by providing records and demonstrating procedural compliance.
  • Order and manage an inventory of necessary spare parts, consumables, and tools required for calibration and repair work.
  • Safely handle and operate all test equipment and standards, following established safety protocols and procedures.
  • Continuously improve technical knowledge and skills by attending training, workshops, and staying current with advancements in metrology.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the development and continuous improvement of calibration procedures and associated documentation.
  • Maintain the calibration laboratory's organization, environmental controls, and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Provide technical support and informal training to junior technicians and equipment users on proper handling and maintenance.
  • Participate in internal and external audits by providing documentation, demonstrating processes, and answering technical questions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep understanding of metrology principles, measurement uncertainty, and traceability.
  • Proficiency in calibrating electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers).
  • Expertise with physical and dimensional calibration tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauge blocks, torque wrenches).
  • Experience with calibrating process instruments for pressure, temperature, flow, and humidity.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and work from complex technical schematics, blueprints, and manuals.
  • Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills to repair instruments to the component level.
  • Familiarity with quality and regulatory standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, cGMP, FDA, and ANSI Z540.
  • Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) like Blue Mountain RAM or Maximo.
  • Proficiency with calibration management software (e.g., Fluke MET/CAL, IndySoft, ProCalV5).
  • Solid mathematical skills, particularly in algebra and statistics, for calculating and analyzing data.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to precision and accuracy.
  • Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with teams.
  • Effective time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team.
  • A proactive and adaptable mindset, with a dedication to continuous learning.
  • Strong customer service orientation when interacting with equipment owners and external clients.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree (A.A./A.S.) in Electronics Technology, Metrology, or a related technical field.
  • Equivalent military training (e.g., PMEL, TMDE, GPETE) is highly valued.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering, Metrology, Physics, or a related science.
  • Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) certification from ASQ.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Metrology
  • Electronics Technology
  • Engineering Technology
  • Physics
  • Instrumentation and Control Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of hands-on experience in the calibration and repair of measurement and test equipment.

Preferred: 5+ years of experience in a highly regulated environment such as aerospace, defense, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices, within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.

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