Eleven Recruiting is searching for a Lead Metrologist to join a growing aerospace & defense manufacturer in Southern California. The Lead Metrologist owns and develops dimensional inspection methodology and programming standards for the site's CMMs, articulated arms, and laser trackers. This person serves as the technical point of contact for Engineering and Quality on complex GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and alignment-strategy questions, mentors and reviews the work of other inspectors, and owns the site's measurement system analysis and calibration program. The role requires genuine dual expertise inspecting both composite tooling and metal hardware components.
Responsibilities:
Own and develop dimensional inspection methodology and programming standards for CMMs, articulated arms, and laser trackers defining how the team inspects, not just executing inspections.
Program and operate metrology software Verisurf (required), Poly Works (preferred) for complex composite and machined component inspection.
Inspect parts, assemblies, tooling, and fixtures to engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements per ASME Y14.5.
Serve as the technical point of contact for Engineering and Quality on complex GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and alignment-strategy questions.
Review and approve inspection programs and reports written by other inspectors; mentor and train the team on Verisurf/PolyWorks and inspection best practices.
Lead First Article Inspections (FAI), in-process, and final inspections across composite tooling and metal hardware components.
Own measurement system analysis (Gage R&R) and the metrology equipment calibration program, ensuring equipment capability and compliance.
Lead root cause investigations on dimensional nonconformances and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to resolve dimensional issues across the shop floor.
Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant work environment, following applicable quality procedures and aerospace standards.
Qualifications: Required
710+ years of experience performing dimensional inspection in an aerospace or precision manufacturing environment, with demonstrated technical leadership or mentoring responsibility.
Proficiency with Verisurf (required); PolyWorks experience strongly preferred.
Deep GD&T interpretation skill per ASME Y14.5, with experience serving as the technical resource for tolerance and alignment questions.
Experience operating and programming CMMs, articulated arms (e.g., Faro, Romer), and laser trackers (e.g., Faro, Leica).
Experience inspecting complex composite and machined components genuine dual expertise, not depth in just one.
CAD software proficiency (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, Creo, or similar) for part alignment and coordinate system setup.
Knowledge of best-fit, datum-based, and iterative alignment strategies.
Experience supporting and leading First Article Inspection (FAI) and production inspection.
Preferred
Associate degree or technical certification in Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Metrology, or a related field.
Formal CMM programming training/certification (Verisurf, Hexagon, or equivalent).
Faro Arm or Laser Tracker training/certification.
PolyWorks training/certification.
Experience with measurement system analysis (Gage R&R) and calibration program management.
Salary: $83,200 - $104,000
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