R&D Metrology Technician

Position Summary

The R&D Metrology Technician supports Research & Development, Engineering, and Quality by providing technical metrology and dimensional inspection expertise throughout the product development and manufacturing transfer lifecycle. This position is responsible for performing precision measurements, developing and executing inspection methods, operating and supporting advanced measurement equipment, and providing accurate dimensional data to support product development, validation, troubleshooting, and production readiness.

Working closely with R&D Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, and Operations, the R&D Metrology Technician I ensures products are measured accurately and consistently against engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. The position supports the development of production-ready inspection processes and contributes to measurement system capability, continuous improvement, and successful product commercialization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Metrology & Dimensional Inspection

• Perform precision dimensional inspections of components, assemblies, tooling, and prototypes using a variety of metrology equipment and techniques.
• Operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), vision measurement systems, optical comparators, and precision measurement equipment.
• Utilize precision hand tools and instruments including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, gauge blocks, indicators, and other inspection equipment.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.
• Perform first article, prototype, in-process, final, and engineering inspection activities.
• Evaluate dimensional results against engineering requirements and identify out-of-tolerance conditions.
• Document inspection results accurately and maintain complete measurement records in accordance with Good Documentation Practices.
• Identify measurement challenges and work with Engineering and Quality to determine appropriate inspection techniques.

Measurement System & Inspection Method Development

• Develop inspection methods and measurement strategies for new and existing products.
• Determine appropriate measurement equipment, fixturing, tooling, and inspection techniques based on product characteristics and tolerances.
• Develop and maintain CMM and vision measurement programs as applicable.
• Create inspection fixtures and measurement setups to support repeatable and efficient inspections.
• Optimize inspection methods to improve measurement accuracy, repeatability, throughput, and ease of use.
• Support the transition of inspection methods from R&D into production.
• Assist with establishing standardized inspection processes and documentation.

Measurement Systems Analysis

• Support Measurement System Analysis (MSA) activities, including Gauge R&R studies and other measurement capability assessments.
• Evaluate measurement system repeatability, reproducibility, resolution, and suitability for intended applications.
• Identify sources of measurement variation and recommend improvements.
• Assist in investigating discrepancies between measurement systems, inspectors, suppliers, and manufacturing processes.
• Support calibration and verification activities for inspection equipment and measurement standards.
• Ensure measurement equipment is used within established calibration and operating requirements.

R&D and Engineering Support

• Support prototype, engineering, development, and validation builds through dimensional inspection and measurement activities.
• Provide timely measurement data to Engineering to support design decisions, troubleshooting, and product improvements.
• Assist Engineering with Design Verification, process development, and product validation activities.
• Perform dimensional inspections supporting process validation and production readiness.
• Assist with troubleshooting product and process issues through dimensional analysis.
• Participate in design reviews, engineering build reviews, and new product introduction activities when metrology expertise is required.
• Support development and implementation of inspection plans for new products.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and interpret dimensional measurement data.
• Identify dimensional trends, variation, and potential sources of process or measurement issues.
• Support statistical analysis of measurement data, including capability studies and measurement system analysis.
• Prepare inspection reports and communicate findings to Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing.
• Utilize statistical tools such as Minitab or similar software when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and traceable electronic and/or paper inspection records.

Quality & Compliance

• Follow the Aptyx Quality Management System (QMS), including applicable SOPs, work instructions, inspection procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain compliance with applicable ISO 13485, FDA Quality System Regulation, and Good Documentation Practices requirements.
• Follow established procedures for handling, documenting, and reporting nonconforming product or measurement results.
• Support investigations and nonconformance activities when dimensional or measurement data is required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and controlled metrology/inspection environment.
• Ensure inspection equipment, fixtures, and measurement standards are properly maintained and identified.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve measurement methods, inspection efficiency, and measurement system capability.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, metrology, manufacturing, and inspection processes.
• Recommend improvements to inspection equipment, fixturing, programming, and measurement techniques.
• Assist in standardizing measurement practices across R&D and manufacturing environments.
• Support efforts to reduce inspection time, measurement variation, and inspection-related defects.

Technical Support & Training

• Provide technical support to Quality Inspectors and other employees performing dimensional inspections.
• Assist with training personnel on measurement equipment, inspection methods, GD&T requirements, and proper measurement techniques.
• Develop or assist with inspection procedures, measurement instructions, visual aids, and work instructions.
• Promote consistency and accuracy in measurement practices across the organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with:
  • R&D Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Quality Engineering
  • Quality Inspection
  • Production
  • Operations
  • Tooling
• Communicate measurement results and technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams.
• Support successful transfer of new products and inspection processes from R&D into manufacturing.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in Metrology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Precision Measurement, Quality, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Equivalent technical education, training, or relevant experience may be considered.
• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field is a plus.

Experience

• 1–3 years of experience in metrology, dimensional inspection, quality, manufacturing, engineering, or a related technical environment.
• Experience in a medical device or other highly regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with CMMs, vision systems, optical measurement equipment, or precision inspection equipment preferred.
• Experience supporting new product development or manufacturing transfer is a plus.

Technical Knowledge

• Working knowledge of dimensional measurement principles and precision inspection techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 and GD&T principles preferred.
• Experience with CMM, vision inspection, optical comparator, or other automated measurement systems.
• Understanding of measurement system variation and basic MSA/Gauge R&R concepts.
• Ability to select appropriate measurement equipment and techniques based on tolerance and application.
• Basic understanding of statistical analysis and process capability.
• Experience with Minitab or similar statistical software preferred.
• Familiarity with CAD software and ERP/QMS systems is beneficial.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to measurement accuracy.
• Strong understanding of precision measurement and dimensional inspection.
• Analytical and data-driven approach to problem solving.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Strong technical aptitude and mechanical understanding.
• Ability to identify sources of measurement variation and troubleshoot measurement issues.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced R&D and manufacturing environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a willingness to learn new technologies, equipment, and measurement techniques.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing inspection and measurement activities.
• Frequently perform repetitive hand movements while operating precision measurement equipment.
• Ability to work with small precision components and tooling.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for precision measurement and inspection.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work within laboratory, manufacturing, and cleanroom environments while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to work with microscopes, vision systems, and other optical inspection equipment as required.

Acknowledgement