Job Title: Flow Calibration Engineer
Job Summary:
The Flow Calibration Engineer Manager is responsible for overseeing the calibration of flow measurement systems used in various industrial and manufacturing processes. This role involves leading a team of engineers and technicians to ensure that flow measurement devices, such as flow meters, differential pressure sensors, and other related instruments, are accurately calibrated and meet regulatory and industry standards. The manager will oversee calibration processes, drive improvements in system efficiency, and ensure that the calibration team adheres to compliance requirements and organizational goals. This role also includes project management, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement in flow calibration systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Management:
- Lead and manage a team of flow calibration engineers and technicians, ensuring the team’s productivity, quality of work, and professional development.
- Set clear objectives, track performance, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide mentoring and coaching to junior staff.
- Foster a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement, high-quality standards, and operational excellence in flow calibration.
Flow Calibration System Oversight:
- Oversee the setup, calibration, and maintenance of flow measurement devices, including electromagnetic flow meters, turbine meters, differential pressure sensors, and positive displacement meters.
- Ensure that all flow calibration activities are carried out in accordance with established standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 17025, NIST traceability) and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and refine calibration procedures to ensure precision and accuracy in the measurement of flow rates across various applications.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for flow calibration, including but not limited to ISO, ASTM, and local government regulations.
- Lead internal and external audits related to flow calibration activities, ensuring adherence to quality assurance practices and standards.
- Oversee the documentation of calibration results, calibration certificates, and equipment maintenance logs for traceability and regulatory purposes.
Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:
- Identify opportunities to optimize calibration processes, reduce turnaround time, and improve overall efficiency while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the flow calibration process, integrating new technologies and methodologies to enhance performance and operational efficiency.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in flow measurement technologies and calibration techniques, ensuring that the team adopts best practices.
Project Management and Execution:
- Manage and oversee flow calibration projects, ensuring they are executed on time, within budget, and according to the specified requirements.
- Develop project timelines, allocate resources, and monitor progress to ensure that calibration tasks and system installations meet deadlines.
- Coordinate with other departments such as engineering, production, and quality control to ensure smooth integration of flow measurement systems and calibration schedules.
Troubleshooting and Technical Support:
- Provide technical expertise in troubleshooting flow measurement and calibration system issues, diagnosing problems and implementing effective solutions.
- Lead the team in investigating and resolving complex calibration or measurement errors, ensuring minimal operational disruption.
- Provide ongoing support to production and operational teams, ensuring that flow measurement systems continue to operate accurately and reliably.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of calibration data, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of results.
- Develop and present reports on calibration outcomes, performance trends, and areas for improvement to senior management.
- Ensure all calibration documentation is up to date and accessible for internal reviews, audits, and compliance checks.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and R&D teams to ensure that flow measurement systems meet operational requirements and product specifications.
- Serve as the primary technical contact for all flow calibration-related issues, providing expertise and guidance across departments.
- Work with vendors and suppliers to evaluate, procure, and implement new calibration equipment and technologies that improve accuracy and efficiency.
Budget and Resource Management:
- Develop and manage the budget for flow calibration activities, ensuring the efficient use of resources while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Oversee the procurement of new calibration tools and equipment, ensuring that purchases meet the team’s technical needs and regulatory standards.
- Monitor and control costs associated with calibration projects, ensuring that activities are executed within budget.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- In-depth knowledge of flow measurement systems and calibration processes, including the use of flow meters, differential pressure sensors, and other flow measurement instruments.
- Strong understanding of calibration standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 17025, NIST, ASTM, and other industry standards).
- Proven experience in managing calibration processes, troubleshooting, and optimizing flow measurement systems.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team, providing coaching and development opportunities while fostering a collaborative environment.
- Strong project management skills, with experience managing budgets, timelines, and resources for flow calibration projects.
- Expertise in using calibration and measurement tools, as well as software for data collection, reporting, and analysis (e.g., Minitab, Excel, or specialized calibration software).
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex technical issues in flow calibration and measurement systems.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders and produce clear reports for senior management.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications related to flow calibration, measurement systems, or quality management (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 17025, NIST certification) are a plus.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in flow calibration, measurement systems, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Extensive experience with a variety of flow measurement systems and calibration equipment used in industrial or manufacturing settings.
- Proven track record in managing calibration projects, ensuring compliance, and driving process optimization and improvements.
- Experience with quality management systems and regulatory compliance related to flow calibration and measurement systems.
Key Focus Areas for Manager-Level Flow Calibration Engineer:
- Avionics and Flight Control Systems: Managing the strategic development, implementation, and optimization of flow measurement systems for avionics and flight control systems, ensuring that these systems meet the highest operational, performance, and safety standards across all flight operations.
- Safety and Emergency Systems for Aircraft: Overseeing the calibration and maintenance of flow systems used in aircraft safety and emergency systems, ensuring these systems are reliable, compliant with regulatory standards, and perform effectively during critical situations.
- Precision Instrumentation for Navigation, Communications, and Control: Leading the design, integration, and calibration of precision flow instrumentation used for navigation, communication, and control, ensuring seamless integration and high accuracy across aerospace systems.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise with flow measurement equipment (e.g., electromagnetic flow meters, turbine meters, positive displacement meters) and calibration tools.
- Familiarity with calibration software and data management systems used in flow measurement and calibration activities.
- Proficiency in using data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Power BI) to analyze calibration data and generate performance reports.
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage a team and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
- A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence in flow calibration processes.
- Willingness to travel to different sites or facilities as required for calibration activities, troubleshooting, and project oversight.