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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Measurement Technician

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

EngineeringManufacturingQuality AssuranceSkilled TradesMetrology

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly precise and detail-oriented Measurement Technician to join our dynamic quality assurance team. In this pivotal role, you will be the guardian of our quality standards, responsible for performing complex measurements, calibrating sophisticated equipment, and ensuring all products and components meet stringent engineering specifications. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a deep understanding of metrology principles and a passion for precision. You will work hands-on with state-of-the-art measurement technology, providing critical data that informs our engineering and manufacturing processes and drives continuous improvement.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Quality Control Inspector
  • CNC Machinist / Operator
  • Electronics Technician
  • Associate Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Measurement Technician / Metrology Lead
  • CMM Programmer
  • Quality Engineer
  • Calibration Lab Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Field Service Technician
  • Technical Sales Support
  • Manufacturing Process Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform precise and complex inspections, checks, and tests on components, sub-assemblies, and finished products using advanced metrology equipment.
  • Set up, program, and operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) to perform detailed dimensional analysis and first article inspections (FAI).
  • Calibrate, validate, and maintain a wide array of precision mechanical and electronic measurement and test equipment (M&TE), including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and optical comparators.
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics, applying a deep understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Generate comprehensive and accurate inspection reports, calibration certificates, and non-conformance reports (NCRs) for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Maintain the calibration database and system, ensuring all equipment records are up-to-date and compliant with industry standards like ISO 9001, AS9100, and ISO/IEC 17025.
  • Conduct Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gauge R&R) studies and other statistical analyses to ensure the reliability of measurement systems.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with measurement equipment and inspection processes, implementing effective corrective actions.
  • Collaborate directly with engineering and production teams to resolve dimensional and quality issues and provide expert measurement guidance.
  • Perform surface finish, roundness, and profile measurements using specialized equipment like profilometers and form tracers.
  • Manage the scheduling of internal and external calibration activities to minimize downtime and ensure continuous compliance.
  • Develop and document detailed inspection procedures and work instructions to standardize measurement processes across the team.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) by developing inspection plans and providing critical feedback on manufacturability.
  • Conduct first article, in-process, and final inspections to verify that parts and assemblies conform to design specifications.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and environmentally controlled metrology lab to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all measurements.
  • Assist in root cause analysis investigations for quality discrepancies and customer complaints, providing essential data and insights.
  • Provide technical training and mentorship to junior technicians and machine operators on proper measurement techniques and equipment use.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to assist engineering in product development.
  • Contribute to the organization's quality strategy and roadmap by identifying opportunities for new technology and process improvements.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate product quality needs into specific measurement and engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the quality and engineering teams to ensure alignment on project goals.
  • Assist in the evaluation and procurement of new measurement technologies and capital equipment.
  • Participate in internal and external quality audits, providing documentation and answering inquiries related to the calibration and measurement system.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CMM Programming: Proficiency in programming and operating CMMs using software such as PC-DMIS, Calypso, or MCOSMOS.
  • GD&T Expertise: Advanced ability to read, interpret, and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5) on complex blueprints.
  • Calibration Standards: Strong knowledge of metrology and calibration standards, including ISO/IEC 17025, ANSI/NCSL Z540, and ISO 9001.
  • Metrology Tool Proficiency: Mastery of a wide range of hand-held measurement tools, including digital calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and indicators.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to use software like Microsoft Excel or Minitab for data analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and creating detailed reports.
  • Blueprint Interpretation: Expert-level skill in reading and interpreting complex multi-page mechanical drawings and technical specifications.
  • 3D Modeling Software: Familiarity with viewing and interrogating CAD models in software like SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, or Creo.
  • Technical Documentation: Skill in writing clear and concise work instructions, procedures, and technical reports.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on precision and accuracy in every task.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: The ability to logically troubleshoot complex measurement and quality issues.
  • Effective Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with technical and non-technical teams.
  • Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a team and across departments.
  • Self-Motivation: A proactive and independent worker who takes initiative to solve problems and improve processes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by a technical certification in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate of Science (A.S.) or technical degree.
  • Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) from ASQ.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Metrology
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology
  • Quality Assurance
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience in a precision measurement, metrology, or quality control role.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a regulated industry such as aerospace (AS9100), medical device (ISO 13485), or automotive (IATF 16949).
  • Demonstrable experience programming and operating CMMs and other advanced metrology equipment.
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