Calibration Technician

Precision is your passion, accuracy your craft.

As a Calibration Technician, you’ll play a crucial role in maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency in manufacturing processes. Your meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise will ensure that every measurement is accurate, and every instrument performs to specification. In this role, you’ll contribute directly to product quality, operational safety, and regulatory compliance, making a significant impact in industries where precision is paramount.

Calibration Technicians keep equipment accurate and ready for action, working with various tools and machinery to make sure they’re suitable and effective. They spend their days testing, adjusting, and fine-tuning instruments to meet exact and industry standards.

In this role, you’ll be the guardian of precision in manufacturing processes. Your work will involve a mix of hands-on technical tasks, detailed documentation, and problem-solving. You’ll use specialised calibration equipment, measurement tools, and software to ensure that instruments and machinery are operating within specified tolerances.

As a Calibration Technician, you’re responsible for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of measurement equipment, which is crucial for quality control, regulatory compliance, and overall operational efficiency. Your work directly impacts the quality of products and the safety of manufacturing processes.

Your role may include duties as follows: 

  1. Test and adjust instruments and equipment to ensure they’re operating as intended, and as per compliance standards.
  2. A significant part of your role will be data collection and recording, ensuring all details are properly observed, and then serve to act as comprehensive reference material.
  3. Identify and resolve equipment issues swiftly, to ensure productivity continues and targets are met.
  4. Maintain machinery to ensure optimal functioning and continued, extended performance.
  5. You will work closely with engineers and other technicians to support overall product quality and reliability.

Becoming a Calibration Technician typically involves a combination of technical education and hands-on experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Develop foundational skills: Start with a strong background in mathematics, physics, and basic electronics.
  2. Choose your educational path either vocational education and training or higher education or a combination of both.
  3. Gain practical experience: Look for internships or entry-level positions in manufacturing or quality control.
  4. Develop computer skills: Familiarise yourself with calibration software and data management systems.
  5. Stay updated: Keep abreast of new technologies and calibration techniques in your industry.
  6. Apply for positions: With education, certifications, and some experience, you can apply for Calibration Technician roles.
Also Known As:
  • Instrument Technician
  • Metrology Technician
  • Precision Measurement Technician
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Test Equipment Technician
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a calibration technician include:

  • Analytical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Precision
  • Technical comprehension
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a calibration technician include:

  • Meticulous
  • Integrity
  • Flexible
  • Curious
  • Collaborative
  • Investigative – “Thinker”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Physics
  • Science in Practice
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Biology
  • Chemistry

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Calibration Technician can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$55,000
Median
$70,000
High
$90,000

While there are no formal qualifications specifically for becoming a Calibration Technician at the VET level, several courses can provide a good foundation for this career:

For general manufacturing work:

  • Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM31922)
  • Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119)

For roles in the field:

  • Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
  • Certificate IV in Electrical – Instrumentation (UEE40420)

For laboratory work:

  • Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30122)
  • Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122)
  • Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122)
  • Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Management (MSL60122)

These courses offer practical skills and knowledge that can be valuable in a calibration technician role. However, many employers in this field prioritise hands-on experience and specific industry knowledge over formal qualifications. On-the-job training and manufacturer-specific certifications often play a crucial role in developing the necessary skills for this profession.

While not always required, pursuing a higher education degree can provide a broader theoretical foundation and potentially open up more advanced career opportunities:

  • Bachelor of Engineering with specialisation in in Instrumentation Control

Higher education can provide in-depth knowledge of measurement principles, instrumentation, and quality control systems, often including laboratory work and industry projects.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

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