Quality CMM Programmer

Description

The Quality CMM Programmer is the technical authority on dimensional inspection at Helix, working on our Hexagon CMM platform in PC-DMIS. This role goes beyond routine part inspection, it requires the judgment to architect measurement strategies from first principles, fluent command of GD&T per ASME Y14.5, and enough working knowledge of CNC machining to anticipate where dimensional risk lives before a part ever hits the table.

You’ll mentor junior technicians, drive continuous improvement in measurement efficiency, and serve as the final word on complex inspection challenges.

• Architect, program, and optimize complex CMM inspection routines on a Hexagon CMM using PC-DMIS, including CAD-based and DCC (direct computer control) programming.
• Serve as the technical authority on GD&T interpretation, resolving ambiguous or conflicting drawing callouts per ASME Y14.5.
• Design efficient, repeatable measurement strategies for tight-tolerance precision components, balancing cycle time against measurement certainty.
• Partner with CNC machinists and manufacturing engineering to align inspection strategy with machining setups, fixturing, and process capability.
• Lead first article inspections (FAI), PPAP submissions, and capability studies (Cp/Cpk) for new and revised part numbers.
• Diagnose and correct measurement discrepancies, distinguishing part nonconformance from programming, fixturing, or machine error.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action for dimensional nonconformances, working cross-functionally with machining and engineering.
• Own and continuously improve the PC-DMIS program library; revision control, standardization, documentation.
• Mentor and train quality technicians on CMM programming, GD&T fundamentals, and measurement best practices.
• Evaluate and recommend new probing, fixturing, and software capabilities to advance the metrology lab’s capability.
• Represent quality/metrology in design reviews, providing early input on measurability and inspection feasibility.
• Support internal and customer audits as technical lead for dimensional measurement systems.

• You think in tolerances and see measurement strategy as an engineering problem, not a checklist.
• You can build an inspection program from scratch for a new, complex part with minimal oversight.
• You're comfortable being the person others come to when a GD&T callout is ambiguous or a measurement doesn't add up.
• You teach as naturally as you execute, junior technicians get sharper because they work with you.
• You partner easily across machining, engineering, and quality without waiting to be asked.

• 5+ years programming/operating Hexagon CMMs in production; advanced PC-DMIS (CAD-based, DCC, manual) (required)
• Expert-level GD&T understanding per ASME Y14.5, able to teach and enforce it
• Working knowledge of CNC turning/milling and its impact on part geometry
• Proven ability to build inspection programs from scratch with minimal oversight
• Strong background in MSA, Gauge R&R, and SPC
• Independent reader of complex drawings, models, and specs
• Strong communicator and mentor to quality technicians
• Degree in Manufacturing, Metrology, or Mechanical Engineering; GD&T certification
• Background in precision machining or aerospace-grade quality systems (ISO 9001 / AS9100D, PPAP)

• Inspection programs are built right the first time, minimal rework, minimal escapes.
• FAI and PPAP submissions are complete, accurate, and on schedule.
• Nonconformance root cause is correctly identified as part, program, fixture, or machine error, not guessed at.
• The PC-DMIS program library is standardized, documented, and under revision control.
• Junior technicians visibly grow in GD&T fluency and CMM programming skill under your mentorship.
• Quality/metrology input in design reviews measurably reduces inspection feasibility issues downstream.

Helix Linear Technologies designs and manufactures high-precision motion control systems for medical device, advanced industrial automation, aerospace & defense industries — where performance and reliability down to ±0.0001 inches make all the difference.

We design,…