CALIBRATION SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION

A Calibration Specialist is the person who keeps laboratory instruments honest. In pharmaceutical and life sciences settings, where IQ/OQ/PQ qualification protocols govern every instrument before it touches a study, one missed calibration cycle can invalidate months of analytical data and trigger a regulatory deviation report. This role owns the calibration schedule, executes qualification activities, and prepares the quality documentation trail that auditors and lab supervisors rely on. It sits within the quality or analytical laboratory function and reports through laboratory or quality management.

As the Calibration Specialist, you own instrument qualification and calibration compliance across an analytical or pharmaceutical laboratory, ensuring every piece of testing equipment operates within documented performance parameters. You work within a laboratory quality team, supporting the lab supervisor and contributing to stability programs, SOP development, and the ongoing readiness of instrumentation for regulated testing.

Career Impact: Demonstrated ownership of IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and AS ISO/IEC 17025 compliance is recognized across pharmaceutical, biotech, and contract research organizations as a specialist credential that narrows the field of qualified candidates significantly.

Business Impact: Analytical data produced in regulated laboratories is only as reliable as the instruments behind it, and the Calibration Specialist is the person who ensures those instruments meet documented performance standards before results are reported.

Growth Opportunity: Experience executing qualification protocols and managing deviation investigations creates a direct path toward senior metrologist, validation engineer, or quality systems roles within regulated life sciences environments.

• Execute IQ, OQ, and PQ qualification activities for new and existing laboratory instruments to ensure performance meets documented specifications.
• Initiate and prepare quality documents including qualification protocols, change controls, SOPs, and deviation reports with complete investigation records.
• Plan and maintain the instrument calibration and maintenance schedule to ensure no equipment operates outside its calibration interval.
• Perform routine laboratory instrument maintenance and coordinate corrective actions when equipment fails performance checks.
• Support new instrument implementation by developing installation plans, determining system suitability, and establishing the ongoing service plan.
• Participate in the laboratory training program by providing basic instrument procedure training to laboratory staff.
• Monitor ongoing stability program instrumentation to sustain consistent performance across long-duration analytical studies.
• Respond to customer or internal enquiries about calibration status and maintain accurate job records with turnaround within agreed service windows.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biological Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of experience in a pharmaceutical analytical laboratory or ISO-accredited laboratory in a metrologist or calibration role.
• Working knowledge of AS ISO/IEC 17025 calibration laboratory requirements and their practical application to instrument control.
• Demonstrated ability to write and execute qualification protocols including IQ, OQ, and PQ documentation.
• Experience initiating and managing quality documents such as SOPs, change controls, and deviation reports in a regulated environment.
• Familiarity with a broad range of analytical laboratory instruments including chromatography, mass spectrometry, and PCR-based systems.
• Strong organizational ability to manage multiple calibration schedules and adapt to changing instrument availability or priority.

• Experience with laboratory refrigeration systems and environmental monitoring equipment in an industrial or pharmaceutical setting.
• Familiarity with laboratory informatics platforms used to manage instrument performance data and calibration records.
• Prior involvement in laboratory stability programs, including setup and ongoing performance monitoring of environmental chambers or controlled storage units.
• KOLAS accreditation experience or equivalent national calibration body accreditation in weight and volume disciplines.

• Percentage of instruments with current calibration status, measured against the maintained calibration schedule.
• Deviation report closure rate, reflecting how promptly out-of-tolerance findings are investigated and resolved.
• Turnaround time per calibration or qualification job, measured from assignment to issued report.
• Protocol approval rate on first submission, indicating completeness and accuracy of qualification documentation.
• Number of overdue calibration intervals, tracking schedule adherence across the full instrument inventory.
• Typical tools: Calibration management software (commonly LabVantage or Blue Mountain RAM); laboratory informatics platforms (commonly Waters Empower or equivalent chromatography data systems).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $80,000 per year depending on seniority and setting.
• Bonus: 5% to 10% annual performance bonus typical in pharmaceutical and contract lab environments.
• Equity: Generally not offered at this level in laboratory or contract research settings.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard across most employers in this sector.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, with additional sick leave per employer policy.
• Common Perks: Tuition reimbursement for continuing education, professional certification support, and on-site laboratory safety training.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. A background check, which may include verification of prior employment and criminal history, is required as a condition of employment. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Calibration Specialist owns end-to-end system calibration across multiple chassis control systems within the Active Systems Tuning Team, working with System Architects, Lead Engineers, and suppliers to deliver compliant road release plans. This work enables robust controller strategies and virtual simulation methods that directly advance vehicle dynamics development outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with System and Commodity teams to ensure timely delivery of calibrations across all systems.
• Work with Vehicle Dynamics project leaders and lead tuners to ensure sufficient virtual or physical resources are in place to support development.
• Work with systems layer partners, System Architects and virtual engineering community, supporting them to develop virtual methods for control systems simulation.
• Work with Lead Engineers to develop effective controller strategies, ensuring all required functionality is built-in.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure road release and software calibration plans are met.
• Provide sign-off reports and close off requirements in RMDV.
• Keep abreast of competitor and industry trends applicable to active systems.
• Support the team towards understanding of complex technical issues and their resolution.

Required Qualifications

• Engineering relevant degree qualification.
• Proving Ground experience and minimum 3PG qualification including high mu and low mu limit handling.
• Experience of tuning a Stability Control System.
• Understanding of Systems Engineering principles in relation to Vehicle Dynamics.
• Proven track record of analysing controllers and applying the learning in a virtual or physical vehicle environment.
• Understanding of Control Systems function and design including problem definition and resolution.
• Whole vehicle engineering knowledge and cross functional experience.
• Previous experience of problem-solving tools e.g. Root Cause Analysis, 8 Disciplines of problem solving.
• Experience with relevant virtual tools such as Simpack, Carmaker, Matlab/Simulink.
• Experience with DOORS and RMDV requirements management tool.

Embedded within the production and quality organization, the Calibration Specialist acts as subject matter expert on calibration standards, developing internal processes and performing measurement tool calibration in support of all gage calibration activities. Working closely with production and quality teams, this role ensures gage compliance, drives robust product acceptance processes, and sustains a positive recall system that protects measurement accuracy across the business.

Core Functions

• Perform all functions to ensure gage calibration remains in compliance with all requirements, including calibration, traceability, master accuracy, and environmental conditions.
• Contribute to robust product acceptance processes and develop robust calibration processes.
• Ensure measurement equipment and in practice use meets all intended performance and product metrology requirements.
• Research, analyze and propose new measurement systems for improved value to business.
• Develop new and revised calibration methods, procedures, and training for use in calibration of gages.
• Communicate across the production and quality teams on topics related to gage calibration and ensure a positive recall system is in place and remains compliant.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, or a high school diploma with a minimum of 4 years of experience in Manufacturing or Calibration.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Gage Calibration.
• Extensive knowledge in interpretation of calibration standards and best practices.
• Experience with industry specific standards such as AS, SAE, and NIST.
• Experience in program development for CMM and Vision systems to inspect and calibrate gages and masters.
• Strong communicator, decision-maker, and collaborative team player.
• Analytical-minded, challenges existing processes, and critical thinker.
• Respectful, receptive, agile, and eager to learn.

Reporting to the engineering team lead, the Calibration Specialist performs calibration and validation of engine, transmission, and electric drivetrain control units on test benches and in-vehicle across extreme operating conditions including heat, cold, and altitude. Partnering with controls and software teams, this role optimizes engine performance for fuel consumption, emissions, and driveability, contributing directly to the delivery of new and enhanced powertrain software functions.

Primary Duties

• Perform calibration and validation of engine, transmission, or electric drivetrain control units on test benches and in-vehicle.
• Calibrate specific controls system functions such as emission system, OBD, and torque path.
• Optimize engine performance in regard to fuel consumption, emissions, driveability, and diagnostic functions.
• Register and implement customer, market, and brand requirements.
• Conduct development under extreme conditions including heat, cold, and altitude according to defined responsibility.
• Contribute to development of new or enhanced engine and transmission software functions.
• Use modern measurement techniques and application tools.

Education and Experience

• Completed education or technical study in mechanical engineering, vehicle technology, electrical engineering, control engineering, or mechatronics.
• Availability to be detached for 7 months in Germany, with activity continued in Romania.
• Valid driving license class B.
• Solid experience in combustion engines and controls, automatic transmissions and controls, or electric drivetrains and controls.
• Good knowledge of vehicle technique and vehicle subsystems.
• First experience in calibration and automotive controls systems.
• Knowledge of relevant calibration tools like ETAS INCA and Matlab/Simulink.
• Good English knowledge verbal and written.

Sitting at the intersection of vehicle calibration and ECU systems support, the Calibration Specialist performs calibration activities in development and pre-production cars while serving as first-line support for calibration rigs and data collection vehicles. Operating across hardware, software, and planning functions, this role collaborates with counterparts in Sweden to maintain vehicles and rigs, configure ECU software, and sustain testing operations through continuous fault tracing and documentation.

Duties

• Perform calibration activities in development and pre-production cars used for testing purposes.
• Provide first line support for both calibration rig and data collection vehicles.
• Conduct continuous maintenance of the calibration rig.
• Perform fault tracing of base vehicle and ECUs.
• Collaborate closely with counterparts in Sweden for planning activities.
• Conduct continuous maintenance of vehicles.
• Configure and download software to ECUs in vehicles using documentation, and update documentation when needed.

Skills and Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree preferred, or automotive technical certification considered.
• Two years of experience as automotive technician, including working with hybrids.
• Eight ASE certifications and L1 and L3 advanced level specialist and hybrid certifications.
• Expert knowledge of diagnostic procedures, manufacturer specific special tools, and test equipment.
• Strong PC skills to perform daily work including Office products, computer hardware, and additional software.
• Strong communication skills to present technical information and persuade different audiences.

A key member of the Mideast Area field operations team, the Calibration Specialist delivers accurate calibration of farm bulk milk tanks on a defined routine cycle for DFA producers across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, western Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, and western New York to ensure producers are paid correctly for milk shipments. Collaborating across field staff, supervisors, and the sales team, this role builds and executes calibration schedules, generates tank charts, and provides relief hauling support that keeps producer operations running without interruption.

Accountabilities

• Perform routine calibrations on each member bulk tank within a five to seven year cycle.
• Perform calibrations for other non-DFA MEA producers when requested and approved by supervisor.
• Generate bulk tank charts via software using data generated from the calibration process.
• Submit chart data and reports to appropriate MEA administrative personnel on a weekly basis.
• Develop a calibration schedule in coordination with supervisor, field staff, and sales team.
• Maintain driver logbook, fuel reports, and other necessary paperwork for tractor-trailer unit.
• Transport calibration truck and MEA rental truck unit to maintenance garage for needed maintenance and repair.
• Assist field staff with farm bulk tank calibrations using a prover pail when time permits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver's license including Class B CDL with a tanker endorsement.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain a valid state department of Agriculture Weigher-Sampler license.
• Must reside within Ohio, western Pennsylvania, southern Michigan, or central to northern Indiana.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience as milk hauler or weights and measures technician preferred.
• Ability to use a laptop computer and software applications to develop weight charts.
• Ability to understand graduated measurement instruments and chart conversions.
• Must be flexible and able to solve problems using mechanical aptitude.
• Familiar with water pumps and metering devices.
• Good written and verbal communications skills with a focus on customer service.
• Must pay strong attention to detail especially when completing paperwork.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English.

Measurement accuracy across the production floor and laboratory depends on the Calibration Specialist, who plans, sets up, and operates basic and advanced Measurement and Test Equipment using dimensional, electrical, thermal, and optical calibration standards. Based within the metrology lab, this role coordinates directly with internal and external customers to minimize machine downtime, resolve test-related problems, and sustain compliant, well-documented calibration processes.

Operational Focus

• Plan, check, set up, and operate basic and advanced Measurement and Test Equipment and process equipment.
• Use calibration standards including dimensional, electrical, thermal, and optical to calibrate, adjust, certify, maintain, and repair equipment using approved calibration procedures and manufacturer performance specifications.
• Conduct routine tests, analyze data, and document results.
• Troubleshoot and recommend resolution of shop floor equipment, laboratory, and test-related problems.
• Route equipment between receiving area, customer, and calibration lab.
• Coordinate with customers to calibrate stationary equipment while limiting machine downtime.
• Update equipment status using established systems and complete associated paperwork.
• Identify, document, and route non-conforming items in accordance with metrology lab processes.
• Provide information and clarification to customers on metrology processes and develop and review new calibration processes and procedures.

Professional Experience

• AA degree in Metrology, Electronics, or formal Metrology training from US Military preferred.
• 1 or more years of experience applying math skills such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• 3 or more years of experience working with precision measuring tools.
• 1 or more years of experience in Quality Management Systems.
• 3 to 5 years of calibration experience preferred.
• Experience working with 3 dimensional measurement systems, uncertainty budgeting and analysis, and interferometry based measuring systems.
• Metrology experience across electrical, dimensional, and mechanical physical disciplines preferred.
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving test related problems.
• Ability to communicate and work with internal and external customers as needed.

As the Senior Calibration Specialist, this role applies deep metrology expertise to calibrate inspection, measurement, and test equipment across electrical, dimensional, optical, physical, mechanical, and electronic disciplines, developing procedures and initiating corrective actions to maintain audit-ready accuracy records. The metrology team relies on this work to write and revise laboratory procedures, instruct team members, and ensure that all measurement anomalies are identified and resolved to specification.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge and experience in the metrology field to calibrate inspection, measurement, and test equipment across electrical, dimensional, optical, physical, mechanical, environmental, and electronic disciplines.
• Adapt equipment, standards, and procedures to accomplish specific operational verifications.
• Maintain calibration standards and masters appropriate for equipment verification.
• Maintain a source of data from calibration results to assure a proper audit trail is available to customers.
• Initiate corrective actions to address identified measurement anomalies.
• Assist others with equipment installation, use, maintenance, and repair.
• Analyze and convert test data using mathematical formulae and report results and any proposed modifications.
• Write new or modify existing laboratory procedures, calculate required tolerances of accuracy, and specify data required to show compliance.

Background and Experience

• Associate degree or equivalent technical background with a minimum of 8 years of experience in repair and calibration of electronic, electro-mechanical, process control, and mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or equivalent software.
• Experience modifying performance and operation of component parts and circuitry to specifications using test equipment and precision instruments.
• Experience instructing team members in calibration procedures.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Calibration Specialist delivers pipette calibration and repair services within the Liquid Handling Service Centre, completing all tasks to documented standards and issuing calibration reports for every job, with a target turnaround of 3 days per service. The work directly supports customer satisfaction, continuous service improvement, and compliance with AS ISO/IEC 17025 across all laboratory calibration activities.

Job Functions

• Provide pipette calibration and repair services efficiently, ensuring quality standards and customer satisfaction are maintained.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of services offered by the Liquid Handling Service Centre.
• Complete all calibration and repair tasks assigned by the team leader according to documented policies, procedures, relevant standards, and work instructions.
• Issue a calibration report for each job completed.
• Maintain all test plans on Eppendorf calibration software.
• Respond to customer enquiries about calibration services, updating them with status of their jobs when necessary.
• Strive to achieve a maximum of 3 days turnaround time on all laboratory services.
• Ensure an efficient, productive, and harmonious work environment.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Scientific or Engineering discipline.
• KOLAS Calibration experience in Weight and Volume most preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant calibration experience preferred.
• Sound knowledge of AS ISO/IEC 17025.
• Professional experience in a laboratory preferred.
• Good PC skills including Excel, Word, CRM, and Database.
• Effective problem-solving ability and strong attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Independent, working with minimal supervision.

The Calibration Specialist produces calibration service outcomes by independently managing scheduling, travel, delivery, and maintenance of existing calibration accounts while developing incremental business through coordination with Sales, Service, and Marketing teams. This work directly supports customer satisfaction and quality management system compliance by assembling, calibrating, and repairing liquid handling instrumentation to agreed specifications and recording all results accurately in the service database.

Key Deliverables

• Independently manage, schedule, travel, deliver, and maintain existing calibration service and develop incremental calibration business through individual initiatives with Sales, Service, and Marketing.
• Assemble, clean, calibrate, and repair liquid handling instrumentation through attachment and installation of mechanical and electronic parts.
• Execute the determined service product following established customer protocols and test instruments to ensure conformance to agreed specifications.
• Determine and complete necessary cleaning, replacement, adjustment, or repair.
• Record calibration test measurements in computer database and print instrument performance test certificates as required.
• Achieve high levels of customer satisfaction and communicate effectively with customers from managing expectations through follow-up.
• Ensure service is completed accurately and all system needs are addressed in a timely manner to meet invoicing and quality management system requirements.

Technical Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of field service or calibration experience preferred.
• Knowledge of liquid handling instrumentation and calibration best practices.
• Strong customer relationship management and communication skills.
• Decision-making ability to keep operations moving forward in a timely manner.
• Ability to balance competing priorities without compromising quality.
• Accountability to hold self and others to meet commitments.
• Collaborative approach to building partnerships and meeting shared objectives.

Embedded within the pharmaceutical analytical laboratory, the Calibration Specialist advances instrument qualification and maintenance by initiating quality documents, executing IQ, OQ, and PQ activities, and maintaining calibration schedules across a broad range of laboratory testing equipment. Working closely with the lab supervisor and training program staff, this role sustains instrument performance for ongoing stability monitoring systems and directly supports regulatory compliance across the laboratory environment.

Scope of Work

• Perform routine laboratory instrument maintenance activities.
• Initiate and prepare quality documents for laboratory instrument control, including qualification protocols, memos, change controls, SOPs, and deviation reports including investigation processes.
• Conduct ongoing laboratory instrument qualification activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
• Plan and execute new instrument implementation activities including installation plans, determination of functionality, system suitability, and service plans.
• Plan and maintain instrument maintenance and calibration schedules.
• Participate in laboratory training program, providing basic training of instrumentation procedures.
• Participate in laboratory stability program to support and maintain instrument performance of ongoing monitoring systems.

Education and Experience

• B.Sc. in Chemistry, Biological Science, or Engineering degree in Mechanical or Electrical field.
• 2 years of work experience in a pharmaceutical analytical laboratory or ISO laboratory in a metrologist role.
• Familiarity with HPLC, UPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, PCR, TLC, and other lab testing equipment.
• Familiarity with refrigeration systems in an industrial environment.
• Proficient in general computer software including MS Office applications.
• Specialized software understanding including Waters, Empower, and Dixon.
• Highly organized with ability to plan, monitor, and adapt schedules.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.