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Calibration Technologists and Technicians

O*NET files this work under Calibration Technologists and Technicians: people who 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. The preparation level is medium preparation, typically one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. A regular part of the work is to maintain or repair measurement devices or equipment used for calibration testing. On the six-type interest model it reads RCI, meaning hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world comes first, followed by orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need leading, persuading and making business decisions.

What they do

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.

Main tasks

  • Maintain or repair measurement devices or equipment used for calibration testing.
  • Verify part dimensions or clearances using precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Conduct calibration tests to determine performance or reliability of mechanical, structural, or electromechanical equipment.
  • Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders.
  • Visually inspect equipment to detect surface defects.
  • Calibrate devices by comparing measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions to known standards.

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want to lead people or run the business side. Enterprising rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Also called

  • Calibration Specialist
  • Calibration Technician (Calibration Tech)
  • Gauge Specialist
  • Instrument and Control Technician (I and C Tech)
  • Instrument Control Technician (Instrument Control Tech)

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.