Calibration Technologists & Technicians
Summary of 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.
Tasks On The Job
- 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.
AI and This Career
The chance AI takes over most of this job in the next 10 years.
Why this score
- Metrology tools can draft cal worksheets, flag tolerance gaps and stage cert packs. They do not own instrument setup or tolerance calls alone.
- Technologists remain accountable for hands-on instrument setup, tolerance calls and sign-off on certificates under lab standards.
- Beyond the worksheets, the job is hands-on instrument setup, tolerance calls and signing certificates that others will trust.
- Demand is growing as labs still need calibration technologists who own certificates after tools draft more cal worksheets.
- What actually happens: AI drafts cal worksheets, and technologists focus on instrument setup, tolerance calls and certificate sign-off.
How AI helps
Calibration apps mark overdue gage schedules, draft uncertainty budgets, and keep certificate packs handy.
What stays human
Hands-on instrument setup, tolerance calls, and sign-off on out-of-tolerance gear stay with the technologist.
How we rated it: By our count, 0 of the 14 tasks O*NET lists for this job are mainly records, admin, or robot-ready physical work, for a replaceable share of about 0%. Eloundou et al. (2023) beta 0.40 for 17-3028.00. ILO WP140 Appendix A1 ISCO 3119 (Classified): Not Exposed, mean 0.26. BLS Employment Projections 2025-35 (Table 1.2 / nationalMatrix, https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm): projected employment change 4.8%. Note: Calibration technologists; nearest Physical/Engineering Science Technicians NEC.
PERSONALITY
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IMPORTANT STRENGTHS
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88% | Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services. | |
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77% | Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources. | |
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52% | Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service. | |
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