Metrology technician

Description

Metrology technicians apply their practical knowledge of metrology to calibrate measuring instruments, test equipment and analyse their performance. They ensure that the evaluated equipment meets requirements for precision, performance and accuracy. They report about their work and advise on technical matters concerning measuring instruments.

The duties of a metrology technician include, but are not limited to:

  • Performing calibrations on measuring instruments such as scales, thermometers, barometers, plumb bobs, surveying equipment, and other measuring devices
  • Observing the physical characteristics of items being measured to ensure that they are consistent with industry standards
  • Performing quality control checks on manufactured products to ensure that they meet specifications
  • Maintaining an inventory of standard measurement tools such as rulers, protractors, gauges, calipers, etc.
  • Conducting research on new measurement methods or technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy in measuring processes
  • Developing, implementing, and maintaining measurement protocols for specific applications
  • Conducting laboratory tests to measure physical properties of materials such as density, viscosity, tensile strength, and conductivity
  • Using computer software to analyze data from tests to make conclusions about findings
  • Repairing damaged measuring instruments by replacing parts or readjusting calibrations

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to metrology technician:

color scientist
metrology technologist
instrument specialist
metrology technician
metrologist
junior metrology technician
composite technician
instrument technician
meter service technician
senior metrology technician
metrology calibration technician
metrology engineering technician
dimensional engineer
meter technician

Working conditions

Metrology technicians work in a variety of settings, including metrology laboratories, quality control departments, and manufacturing plants. They may also work in research and development laboratories or in the field, performing on-site calibration of equipment.

Most metrology technicians work full time, and some may work overtime, especially those employed in manufacturing plants that operate around the clock. They may also be required to work on weekends and holidays. The work can be stressful, and technicians must be able to pay close attention to detail and follow safety procedures.

Minimum qualifications

Metrology technicians are typically required to have an associate or bachelor’s degree in metrology or a related field. These programs typically include courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science.

Most metrology technicians receive on-the-job training, which may last for a few weeks to a month. This training may include shadowing an experienced technician and performing duties under supervision until they are comfortable enough to complete tasks on their own.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Metrology technician is a Skill level 3 occupation.

Metrology technician career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to metrology technician.

material testing technician
calibration technician
product development engineering technician
pneumatic engineering technician
industrial engineering technician

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of metrology technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of metrology technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

metrologist
maintenance and repair engineer
mathematician
precision engineer
commissioning engineer

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of metrology technician.

  • Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
  • Metrology: The methods and theory of measurement in a scientific context, including internationally accepted units of measurement, practical realisation of these units, and interpretation of measurements.
  • Instrumentation engineering: The science and engineering discipline that attempts to control process variables of production and manufacturing. It also focuses on the design of systems with desired behaviours. These systems use sensors to measure the output performance of the device that is being controlled.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of metrology technician.

  • Create solutions to problems: Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
  • Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
  • Contact scientists: Listen, reply, and establish a fluid communication relationship with scientists in order to extrapolate their findings and information into a varied array of applications including business and industry.
  • Operate precision measuring equipment: Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
  • Perform test run: Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
  • Work analytically: Analyse information flows to reconstruct messages quickly and precisely. Navigate a language to explain the same sense or feeling in situations where there is no definite word or literal translation.
  • Calibrate precision instrument: Examine the precision instruments and assess whether the instrument meets the quality standards and production specifications. Correct and adjust the reliability by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results.
  • Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
  • Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
  • Analyse test data: Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.
  • Order equipment: Source and order new equipment when necessary.
  • Write technical reports: Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.
  • Operate scientific measuring equipment: Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
  • Maintain technical equipment: Maintain an inventory of cultivation equipment and supplies. Order additional materials as needed.
  • Write calibration report: Report on the instrument calibration measurements and results. A calibration report includes the objectives and approach of the test, descriptions of tested instruments or products, test procedures, and test results.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of metrology technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Geometry: Branch of mathematics related to questions of shape, size, relative position of figures and the properties of space.
  • Algebra: The subdiscipline of mathematics that uses formulae, symbols, and equations to represent and manipulate numbers and quantities.
  • Physics: The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
  • Laboratory techniques: Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
  • Meteorology: The scientific field of study that examines the atmosphere, atmospheric phenomena, and atmospheric effects on our weather.
  • Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
  • Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of metrology technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Maintain laboratory equipment: Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and inspect it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
  • Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
  • Calibrate laboratory equipment: Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.
  • Calibrate electronic instruments: Correct and adjust the reliability of an electronic instrument by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer and using calibration devices.
  • Inspect material: Select material for inspection and check the conformity of that material according to set specifications and regulations.
  • Study the relationships between quantities: Use numbers and symbols to research the link between quantities, magnitudes, and forms.

ISCO group and title

3111 – Chemical and physical science technicians


References
  1. Metrology technician – ESCO
  2. Metrology Technician Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
  3. Featured image: By U.S. Navy photo by Greg Vojtko, Public Domain
Last updated on February 12, 2023