Calibration Technologist and Technician

Other Titles

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

Analyze test data to identify defects or determine calibration requirements.

Attend conferences, workshops, or other training sessions to learn about new tools or methods.

Calibrate devices by comparing measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions to known standards.

Conduct calibration tests to determine performance or reliability of mechanical, structural, or electromechanical equipment.

Develop new calibration methods or techniques based on measurement science, analyses, or calibration requirements.

Disassemble and reassemble equipment for inspection.

Draw plans for developing jigs, fixtures, instruments, or other devices.

Maintain or repair measurement devices or equipment used for calibration testing.

Operate metalworking machines to fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures.

Order replacement parts for malfunctioning equipment.

Plan sequences of calibration tests according to equipment specifications and scientific principles.

Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders.

Verify part dimensions or clearances using precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications.

Visually inspect equipment to detect surface defects.

Write and submit reports about the results of calibration tests.

Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Operation Monitoring→ Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Equipment Maintenance→ Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Troubleshooting→ Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Repairing→ Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Systems Evaluation→ Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material→ Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Controlling Machines and Processes→ Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards→ Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Thinking Creatively→ Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment→ Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Training and Teaching Others→ Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People→ Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment→ Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment→ Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships→ Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Handling and Moving Objects→ Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information→ Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.

Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.

Develop technical methods or processes.

Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.

Draw detailed or technical illustrations.

Evaluate characteristics of products.

Fabricate products or components using machine tools.

Inspect condition or functioning of facilities or equipment.

Inspect finished products to locate flaws.

Maintain test equipment.

Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

Prepare detailed work plans.

Reassemble equipment after repair.

Repair precision devices or workpieces.

Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.

Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.

Update technical knowledge.

Write reports or evaluations.

Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Finger Dexterity→ The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Arm-Hand Steadiness→ The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Control Precision→ The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Manual Dexterity→ The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Perceptual Speed→ The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Visual Color Discrimination→ The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Visualization→ The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Engineering and Technology→ Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Computers and Electronics→ Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Mechanical→ Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of a language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Physics→ Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Design→ Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Analytical or scientific software -- Data analysis software

Computer aided design CAD software -- e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D; Bentley MicroStation; Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS

Data base user interface and query software -- Data entry software

Development environment software -- Systems engineering software; National Instruments LabVIEW

Operating system software -- e.g., Microsoft Windows; Apple macOS; Linux

Project management software -- e.g., Microsoft Project

Bench refractometers or polarimeters→ Bench refractometers

Binocular light compound microscopes

Cable splicing kits→ Fusion splicers

Calipers

Comparators→ Optical comparators

Coordinate measuring machines CMM

Cutting machines→ Fiber cleavers

Depth gauges

Diffractometers

Digital testers→ Bit error rate testers BERT

Drill press or radial drill→ Computerized numerical control CNC drill presses

Facial shields→ Chemical protective face shields

Fiber optic fault locators

Fire extinguishers

Hardness testers

HEPA filtered enclosures→ Biosafety cabinets

Horizontal turning center→ Computerized numerical control CNC lathes

Induction heaters→ Laser heat treatment equipment

Integrated circuit testers→ Digital logic analyzers; Digital logic probes; Logic pulsers

Interferometers→ Common path interferometers; Fabry-Perot interferometers; Mach-Zehnder interferometers; Michelson interferometers; Optical spectrum analyzers; Phase-shifting interferometers; Shearing interferometers; Twyman-Green interferometers; Wavelength meters

Isolators

Jacks→ Lab jacks

Lab coats→ Protective gowns

Laboratory evaporators→ Electron beam evaporators

Laboratory forceps

Laboratory mechanical convection ovens→ Reflow ovens

Laser cutting machine→ Laser cutting machines; Laser drills

Laser measuring systems→ Laser marking machines

Laser welding machine→ Laser welders

Lasers→ Gas lasers; Ion lasers; Diode lasers; Excimer lasers; Liquid dye lasers; Solid state lasers

Loupes

Magnifiers

Micrometers→ Vernier micrometers

Milling machines→ Computerized numerical control CNC machining centers

Monochromators

Multimeters→ Multifunction digital multimeters

Optical diffusers→ Autocollimators

Optical mounts→ Optical alignment scopes

Optical rails or bases→ Optical rails

Oscilloscopes→ Analog oscilloscopes; Digital oscilloscopes

Personal computers

Photosensitive diodes→ Semiconductor detectors

Pocket calculator→ Hand calculators

Polishing machines→ Fiber polishers

Portable data input terminals→ Dataloggers

Positioning jig→ Micropositioners; Positioning stages

Power grinders→ Abrasive grinding machines

Power meters→ Optical power meters; Photoelectric power meters

Power saws→ Cutoff saws; Die shears; Wire saws

Protective gloves

Refrigerated and heated reach in environmental or growth chambers→ Humidity chambers; Temperature chambers

Safety glasses

Sawing machines→ Computerized numerical control CNC band saws

Scanning electron microscopes→ Scanning electron microscopes SEM

Scanning probe microscopes→ Atomic force microscopes AFM

Semiconductor process systems→ Chemical vapor deposition CVD systems; Die bonders; Die saws; Electron cyclotron resonance ECR reactive ion etchers RIE; Mechanical steppers; Plasma strippers; Sputter deposition systems Vacuum deposition systems; Wafer bonding systems; Wire bonders

Semiconductor testers→ Semiconductor parameter analyzers

Signal generators

Soldering iron→ Soldering irons

Spectrometers

Spectrophotometers

Spherometers

Surface testers→ Contact profilometers; Non contact profilometers

Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers→ Rapid thermal annealers RTA

Tension testers→ Wire pull testers

Thickness measuring devices→ Ellipsometers

X ray diffraction equipment→ Collimators

Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.

Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Independence→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.