Flow Calibration Technician

Standard Calibrations•Chesapeake, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Flow Calibration Technician performs calibration, verification, troubleshooting, and authorized repairs of inspection, measurement, and test equipment (IM & TE) used for liquid-flow measurement. The technician applies metrology principles, fluid-measurement fundamentals, mathematics, and measurement science to support accurate, traceable flow measurements in accordance with SCI quality-system and accreditation requirements. The role operates liquid-flow calibration systems and reference standards; selects methods and test points; evaluates measurement data and uncertainty; identifies out-of-tolerance conditions; and documents results. Work is performed in a professional laboratory environment using flow benches and associated equipment under controlled environmental conditions. Travel is primarily local during the business day, though some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected. The position requires at least two years of experience in measurement and calibration. Liquid-flow measurement experience is preferred. The technician must have a valid driver’s license and pass drug screening and a pre-employment background check. Physical demands include handling equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and frequent climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, walking, and standing or sitting for extended periods. Hearing protection may be needed when working in loud environments. Required protective equipment varies by task and location and includes hard hats, non-conductive PPE, steel-toed shoes, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and protective clothing.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in measurement and calibration.
Civilian or military training with working knowledge of, or demonstrated capacity to comprehend, metrology; military precision measurement equipment laboratory (PMEL) experience is also relevant.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to read and write English.
Ability to recognize problems through troubleshooting and determine solutions.
Ability to determine the tools and equipment needed to complete a job.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass a drug screening test.
Ability to pass a pre-employment background check.
Ability to lift, carry, and transport equipment and boxes weighing up to 50 pounds for up to 8–10 hours per day.
Ability to work on and frequently climb ladders and stairs.
Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, twist, and walk for up to 8–10 hours per day.
Ability to stand or sit in one place for up to 8–10 hours per day.
Ability to work periodically in loud environments.

Nice To Haves

Liquid-flow measurement experience.

Responsibilities

Calibrate, verify, troubleshoot, and, when authorized, repair IM & TE used for liquid-flow measurement according to published specifications and applicable procedures.
Maintain primary or intrinsic calibration standards and secondary or working calibration standards.
Collect, compile, measure, summarize, and record calibration data.
Analyze measurement data to identify abnormalities and trends or predict future values.
Identify out-of-tolerance conditions and take corrective action through adjustments, component replacement, correction factors, or other applicable methods.
Identify and correct measurement errors where applicable.
Prepare calibration reports and certificates.
Recommend IM & TE for use in measurement applications.
Adapt existing calibration equipment, standards, and techniques for unique measurement tasks.
Train subordinates in calibration concepts and procedures.
Perform laboratory housekeeping and help maintain laboratory recognition and accreditation.
Provide technical advice to other departments.
Operate flow benches, pumps, reservoirs, reference or master flowmeters, valves, piping, pressure and temperature instrumentation, and data-acquisition equipment.
Set up and operate liquid-flow calibration systems using appropriate hoses, tubing, fittings, adapters, seals, valves, and flow-control components.
Perform zero checks, leak checks, stabilization, repeatability testing, and tests at multiple flow rates.
Read and interpret technical manuals, manufacturer specifications, calibration procedures, reports, and work instructions to prioritize workflow and select test methods and ranges.
Compare device measurement uncertainties to the scope of accreditation.
Author or revise calibration methods.
Safely isolate, depressurize, drain, connect, and disconnect liquid-flow equipment and test systems according to applicable procedures.
Troubleshoot abnormal results to determine whether the cause is the device under test, reference standard, flow bench, pump, test connections, restrictions, leakage, or another part of the measurement system.
Evaluate factors affecting flow measurement, including temperature, pressure, density, viscosity, entrained air, flow profile, piping configuration, pulsation, leakage, restriction, and stabilization time.
Apply and convert common flow units, including GPM, LPM, and mL/min, as required by customer specifications or procedures.
Work with liquid-flow devices such as turbine, positive-displacement, variable-area or rotameter, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, and Coriolis flowmeters within laboratory capability.