In a production or manufacturing environment, a calibration technician is in charge of controlling, repairing, and maintaining machines and equipment. Although she is not referred to as an engineer, the education and experience needed to be a successful calibration technician are substantial. Regardless of the industry, she is required to upgrade her knowledge and skills every time the mechanical processes or electronic instruments are upgraded or replaced in order to properly maintain and calibrate them. Some calibration technicians work solely in-house, while others spend the majority of their time on customer sites.
A calibration technician’s primary responsibilities include mastering testing and calibration tools such as oscilloscopes, calipers, pressure gauges, and temperature controllers. A good understanding of electricity and electrical circuitry is required, as well as knowledge of international ISO standards. Technicians must be able to set up test equipment and troubleshoot components, as well as prepare service reports and accurately document parts replacement and repair.
A calibration technician’s communication skills are just as important as their technical knowledge. To identify and resolve equipment and machine problems, in-house technicians must effectively communicate with department managers and plant or manufacturing personnel. Technicians who travel to customers’ locations to perform calibration and repairs must be able to communicate effectively with clients in order to assess situations and recommend preventive maintenance options. Good vendor relationships benefit both types of technicians.
Calibration technicians can work in a wide range of settings. One or more full-time calibration technicians may be employed large plants or manufacturing facilities. Calibration technicians are frequently hired parts vendors to market and sell their products based on their knowledge of the parts, applications, and testing procedures. General calibration technicians as well as those who specialize in the maintenance and repair of specific product lines are employed third-party maintenance firms that contract their services with a variety of small to large manufacturing companies.
Some calibration technician jobs only require a high school diploma or its equivalent, and on-the-job training is provided. Other jobs necessitate an associate’s degree in instrumentation or electronic technology, as well as two years of solid experience in electrical or mechanical calibration and repair. Some trade schools, technical training institutes, and junior colleges offer relevant degrees. Some schools offer additional certifications in specific areas of calibration technology. Industry organizations occasionally host seminars and courses to keep calibration technicians up to date on new technologies and equipment they may be responsible for maintaining or repairing.