Senior CMM Programmer

Job Summary:

The Senior CMM Programmer is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and validation of complex CMM programs for precision measurement of intricate geometries. This role serves as a technical authority in metrology, driving best practices in inspection strategy, data integrity, and process efficiency. The Senior CMM Programmer collaborates cross-functionally to ensure accurate, timely inspection results while mentoring team members and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and partners closely with Quality leadership to align metrology processes with organizational goals.

Essential Duties and 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.

Additional Responsibilities:

• 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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. The employee must also occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete and abstract variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The noise level in the work environment may range from low, moderate to loud.

Education, Skills and Experience:

• 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.
• Expert-level proficiency in CMM software (e.g., PC-DMIS, Calypso, or similar platforms).
• 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.