About the Role
The Senior CMM Programmer leads the development, optimization, and validation of CMM programs for precision measurement. This role acts as a technical authority in metrology, promoting best practices in inspection strategy, data integrity, and process efficiency. The Senior CMM Programmer collaborates cross-functionally, mentors team members, and supports continuous improvement, operating with autonomy and aligning metrology processes with organizational goals.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, optimization, and validation of advanced CMM programs (online and offline) to meet complex customer specifications and tight tolerances.
- Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for CMM programming, inspection strategies, and metrology best practices.
- Oversee program prove-outs, validation, and correlation studies to ensure measurement accuracy and repeatability.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex programming and measurement issues; approve final programs and first article inspections.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing cycle times, improving measurement accuracy, and increasing efficiency.
- Establish and maintain standardized programming methodologies, templates, and best practices.
- Lead statistical data collection strategies and ensure proper integration with manufacturing and quality systems.
- Validate measurement results using secondary inspection methods and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Support and/or lead CMM calibration, maintenance, and system performance verification.
- Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, including work instructions, inspection plans, and operation sheets.
- Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and training to CMM programmers and operators.
- Coordinate inspection priorities and workflow to ensure timely feedback to production and engineering teams.
- Partner closely with the Quality Manager and cross-functional teams to align metrology strategies with business objectives.
- Act as a key liaison between Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing to resolve technical issues and improve processes.
- Lead or contribute to root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement projects.
- Support cost reduction, quality enhancement, and process optimization initiatives through data-driven analysis.
- Interface with customers and auditors as a technical expert in metrology and inspection processes.
- Participate in strategic planning for metrology equipment, software, and technology upgrades.
- Lead special projects and departmental initiatives as assigned.
- Provide backup support for quality assurance functions when needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and extensive experience.
- 5–10+ years of advanced CMM programming experience, preferably in a high-precision manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and blueprint interpretation.
- Demonstrated ability to develop complex inspection strategies for tight-tolerance components.
- Advanced knowledge of metrology principles, measurement uncertainty, and correlation techniques.
- Experience with statistical analysis tools and data-driven decision-making.
- Proven leadership, mentoring, and training capabilities.
- Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and lead initiatives with minimal supervision.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organization skills.
- Work independently with minimal supervision.
Skills
- CMM programming
- Metrology
- GD&T
- Blueprint interpretation
- Statistical analysis
- Leadership
- Mentoring
- Training
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Organization
Experience Level
- 5-10+ years
Education Level
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field
