Senior Metrologist

The Senior Metrologist establishes inspection methods, supports complex or troublesome measurements, leads deployment of advanced metrology technology, and builds workforce capability through GD&T, drawing interpretation, and inspection-method training. This role partners closely with Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, CNC Programming, Process Engineering, Supply Chain, and customer representatives in a naval shipbuilding-compliant manufacturing environment. The position provides technical leadership more than routine inspection capacity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own, administer, and improve the site metrology program, including program procedures, technical standards, inspection-method governance, equipment strategy, records, and performance measures.
• Own the gage control program and operate the calibration laboratory, including gage identification, calibration scheduling and recall, status control, storage and preservation, calibration records, standards traceability, supplier calibration coordination, and environmental controls.
• Serve as the site subject matter expert for dimensional inspection methods, including conventional hand tools, comparative gaging, height and surface measurement, thread inspection, optical methods, portable coordinate measurement, articulated arms, 3D scanning, and shop-floor measurement systems.
• Provide technical ownership and advanced support for FARO arms, Creaform 3D scanners, and future shop-floor capabilities; develop standardized workflows, programs, fixtures, reporting methods, and user qualifications.
• Lead the technical implementation and effective use of Renishaw probing and other in-process measurement technologies in partnership with Manufacturing, Engineering, and CNC Programming.
• Define and validate inspection strategies for complex features and assemblies, selecting the appropriate equipment, datum strategy, setup, fixturing, sampling approach, software, and reporting method.
  • Conduct or facilitate measurement system analysis, correlation studies, gage repeatability and reproducibility studies, and method capability evaluations where needed to confirm reliable inspection results.
  • Respond to difficult, disputed, or high-risk inspections; support nonconformance investigations, MRB activity, root-cause analysis, first-piece verification, customer concerns, and inspection-method disagreements with clear, data-based conclusions.
  • Develop and maintain metrology work instructions, inspection standards, calibration-lab practices, equipment operating instructions, and standard report formats.
  • Develop and deploy training in GD&T, engineering drawing interpretation, measurement fundamentals, gage selection and care, advanced metrology equipment, and inspection best practices. Coach and qualify inspectors, machinists, and other users as appropriate.
  • Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to improve inspect ability, datum schemes, inspection access, process feedback, and measurement efficiency before and during production.
  • Audit shop-floor gage use, calibration status, condition, storage, handling, and compliance; correct systemic weaknesses and reinforce disciplined measurement practices.
  • Support capital planning and technical selection of metrology equipment, software, accessories, fixtures, calibration standards, and service providers based on business needs and total cost of ownership.
  • Use metrology data to identify recurring variation, reduce inspection cycle time, improve first-time quality, and reduce scrap, rework, and measurement-related delays.
  • Perform in-process, final, receiving, or assembly inspection as necessary to support urgent, complex, or specialized business needs without becoming the primary routine inspection resource.
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and 6S-compliant calibration laboratory and metrology work area, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of dimensional metrology and broad proficiency across precision inspection methods used for machined components and complex valve assemblies.

• Expert ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and contractual quality requirements; strong command of ASME Y14.5 GD&T principles and practical application. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with conventional inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, height gages, bore gages, thread gages, surface-finish equipment, optical comparators, and custom or functional gaging.
• Hands-on capability with portable metrology systems such as FARO arms and Creaform 3D scanners, including setup, alignment, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Experience with portable or shop-floor CMM systems is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of in-process probing, preferably Renishaw systems, or the demonstrated ability to lead implementation in partnership with CNC programmers and manufacturing engineers.
• Strong knowledge of calibration-system administration, gage traceability, calibration intervals, out-of-tolerance evaluation, reference standards, and control of monitoring and measuring resources.
• Practical knowledge of measurement system analysis, gage R&R, method correlation, measurement uncertainty, and inspection-method validation.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex measurement problems and explain conclusions clearly to inspectors, machinists, engineers, leaders, suppliers, customers, and auditors.
• Demonstrated ability to develop technical standards, procedures, work instructions, training materials, and qualification plans and to deliver effective hands-on and classroom training.
• Strong cross-functional leadership, organization, documentation, and project-management skills; capable of driving program discipline without relying on direct supervisory authority.
• Proficiency with inspection and analysis software, CAD or model-based data, point-cloud or scan-data workflows, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of visual weld inspection and other relevant inspection disciplines is preferred.
• EHS awareness and willingness to support overtime or off-shift needs when critical business issues arise.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent required; associate degree or advanced technical education in metrology, manufacturing technology, quality, machining, or a related field preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressive dimensional inspection or metrology experience in a precision-machining or similarly complex manufacturing environment preferred i.e. Aerospace and/or Defense
• Five + years of applied GD&T experience; recognized GD&T certification or equivalent documented training preferred.
• Manufacturer training or certifications for portable metrology, 3D scanning, calibration, or advanced inspection systems are preferred.
• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector, Certified Calibration Technician, Certified Quality Technician, or comparable credentials are preferred but not required.

U.S. Citizen