| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Quality |
| Level | Mid level |
| Reports to | Quality Manager or QC Manager |
| Direct reports | Calibration Technician |
| Experience | 3 to 7 years in metrology, calibration or quality |
Metrology Engineer job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Metrology Engineer
Department: Quality
Reports to: Quality Manager or QC Manager
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Metrology Engineer owns measurement accuracy in a plant. They manage the calibration of gauges and instruments, run measurement system analysis, control the gauge inventory, and maintain the calibration lab. The role makes sure every measurement used to judge quality can be trusted, and that instruments are traceable to national standards. In an Indian manufacturing plant the metrology engineer keeps gauges calibrated and available, resolves measurement disputes between quality and production, and supports audits with traceable calibration records.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the calibration schedule for all gauges and measuring instruments and keep it on time.
- Calibrate instruments in-house or through accredited labs with traceability to national standards.
- Run measurement system analysis such as gauge repeatability and reproducibility studies.
- Maintain the gauge inventory with identity, location, status and calibration history.
- Control issue and return of gauges and remove out-of-calibration instruments from use.
- Maintain the calibration lab conditions, masters and reference standards.
- Resolve measurement disputes between quality and production with data.
- Select and approve new measuring equipment for the plant's needs.
- Keep calibration certificates and records ready for customer and certification audits.
- Train users on correct measurement technique and gauge handling.
Requirements
- B.E. or B.Tech, or a diploma in mechanical or instrumentation engineering
- Knowledge of calibration, MSA and measurement standards
- Training in metrology or a calibration lab is an advantage
- 3 to 7 years in metrology, calibration or quality
KRAs and KPIs for a Metrology Engineer
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Calibration compliance | All gauges and instruments calibrated before due date, none overdue in use |
| Measurement capability | Gauge R and R studies within the agreed acceptance limit for key measurements |
| Gauge availability | Required gauges available and in calibration when production needs them |
| Traceability | Calibration traceable to national standards with certificates on file |
| Audit readiness | Calibration records clear customer and certification audits with no finding |
| Dispute resolution | Measurement disputes resolved with data within the agreed time |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Coordinate measuring machine (CMM), Calibration instruments and masters, Height gauge and micrometers, Calibration software, MS Excel.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Metrology Lead, QC Manager, Quality Manager
Interview questions for a Metrology Engineer
- How do you set the calibration frequency for a critical gauge?
- Walk me through a gauge repeatability and reproducibility study.
- Quality and production disagree on a measurement. How do you settle it with data?
- How do you ensure calibration traceability to national standards?
- An instrument is found out of calibration. What is your recall action?
- How do you keep gauges available when many are due for calibration together?
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What does a metrology engineer do?
A metrology engineer owns measurement accuracy in a plant. They manage gauge and instrument calibration, run measurement system analysis, control the gauge inventory, and maintain the calibration lab. They make sure every measurement used to judge quality is trustworthy and traceable to national standards, resolve measurement disputes, and keep calibration records ready for audits.
What is gauge R and R and why does it matter?
Gauge repeatability and reproducibility, or gauge R and R, is a study that checks how much of the variation in a measurement comes from the measuring system rather than the part. It matters because if the gauge or the operator adds too much variation, quality decisions based on that measurement cannot be trusted. Metrology engineers run it on key measurements.
What qualifications does a metrology engineer need?
A B.E. or B.Tech, or a diploma in mechanical or instrumentation engineering, is the usual base, with knowledge of calibration, measurement system analysis and measurement standards. Training in metrology or a calibration lab is an advantage. Employers value precision, data skills and experience with instruments such as CMMs and micrometers.