A calibration engineer keeps track of, repairs, and adjusts mechanical or electronic systems to keep them within a certain range of values. This type of engineer is employed in a variety of industries, including the automotive, electronics, and appliance industries. Poor device functionality and dissatisfied customers are the result of improperly calibrated products.
Automotive calibration engineers primarily work on the vehicle’s emissions and fuel economy. Many states in the United States have strict regulations regarding vehicle emissions that have an impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. As a result, the calibration engineer must ensure that each manufactured vehicle emits emissions within the acceptable limits set the state. As the vehicle is being pulled from the testing area to be repaired, the engineer should note any deviations from the specified values.
Vehicle manufacturers emphasize fuel economy as a key selling point. The calibration engineer must test the vehicle to ensure that the advertised fuel consumption matches the actual consumption. Before being released to the public, any vehicles that are out of calibration must be adjusted or repaired.
Electronics, such as measuring instruments, also require calibration. Many people use laser meters to measure distances for various purposes, such as home improvement. The displayed value must fall within a specific range set the manufacturer. The calibration engineer must test the product and fine-tune it to a specific accuracy range.
Calibration engineers may perform drop tests on products in addition to electronic calibration to ensure that the device can withstand reasonable impacts while maintaining accuracy. Accidental drops to concrete or grass the consumer may occur during real-world use of an electronic. If the device cannot withstand small drops, the engineer can determine whether it should be returned to the designers.
Refrigerators, for example, must operate within calibrated parameters to save energy while cooling food to the desired temperature. The calibration engineer, for example, will test each refrigerator temperature switch to ensure it is working properly and cooling to the desired temperature. Improperly adjusted switches can cause freezing temperatures in the refrigerator section, resulting in high electrical costs from an appliance that is constantly running. A switch that does not or infrequently activates the cooling mechanism, on the other hand, will result in spoiled food from a warm interior.
Some engineers in this field have only a two-year college diploma and no practical experience. Many industries that require complex calibration may require these engineers to have a four-year college education. The degree earned is usually related to the desired career field, such as engineering or mathematics.