CMM Programmer – Quality & Metrology Focus in Long Beach, California at Tokai Carbon GS

CMM Programmer – Quality & Metrology Focus is responsible for developing, standardizing, and continuously improving inspection processes, inspection documentation, and metrology support for CNC-machined parts and related manufacturing activities. This role is heavily focused on inspection planning, CMM programming, laser tracker inspection, first article and in-process inspection support, and the development of inspection sheets, inspection fixtures, and datum strategies to ensure parts meet customer and internal requirements.

The position also supports upfront job planning by reviewing prints, identifying critical-to-quality characteristics, determining inspection methods, and creating complete inspection packages that support efficient and repeatable production. While the role includes manufacturing engineering support, the primary emphasis is on inspection readiness, measurement accuracy, and quality validation.

While the role covers a range of responsibilities, engineers will naturally have areas where they are stronger. By leaning into those strengths and working closely with others, the team helps ensure well-rounded support and successful execution across manufacturing.

Inspection Planning & Documentation

• Review engineering drawings, models, specifications, and GD&T to determine inspection requirements and critical-to-quality features.

• Create inspection sheets, first article layouts, in-process inspection plans, and final inspection documentation.

• Define inspection methods, measurement strategies, and acceptance criteria to support consistent and repeatable inspection results.

• Support upfront job planning by identifying inspection risks, required measuring equipment, and special handling or fixturing needs.

CMM Programming & Metrology

• Program, set up, and validate CMM inspection routines for receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspection.

• Develop and maintain CMM programs, templates, and standards to support efficient inspection execution.

• Support gauge R&R, inspection process validation, and continuous improvement of metrology methods.

• Troubleshoot measurement discrepancies and verify inspection results through root cause analysis and method review.

Inspection Fixtures & Setup Support

• Design and support inspection fixtures, datum schemes, and part locating methods to improve measurement repeatability and ease of inspection.

• Partner with machining, engineering, and quality teams to ensure fixtures and setups support both manufacturing and inspection needs.

• Help develop inspection-specific tooling, setups, and support equipment for complex or tight-tolerance parts.

Job Planning & Production Support

• Support job planning by reviewing print requirements early and helping define inspection strategy before release to production.

• Create complete job packages including setup sheets, inspection sheets, and fixture/measurement requirements.

• Assist with prove-out of new jobs and first-run parts to confirm manufacturing and inspection processes are stable.

• Train machinists and operators on critical features, inspection expectations, and quality requirements.

Shop Floor Quality Support

• Serve as a technical resource for inspection questions, first-off checks, and quality issues on the shop floor.

• Perform receiving, in-process, and final inspections as needed to support production flow and customer requirements.

• Support containment, re-inspection, and issue resolution for nonconforming product.

• Work with Quality and Operations to reduce scrap, rework, and inspection-related delays.

Laser Tracker and Large-Part Inspection

• Program and operate laser tracking systems for large-part inspection, machine verification, alignment, and fixture validation.

• Use laser tracking and related metrology tools to support large-format, complex, or high-precision components.

Continuous Improvement & Standardization

• Identify opportunities to improve inspection throughput, reduce variation, and standardize measurement methods.

• Develop and maintain templates, work instructions, inspection standards, and documentation to support repeatable execution.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Sales to support quoting, planning, and process improvement initiatives.

Success Indicators

• Jobs are released with complete and accurate inspection plans, sheets, and fixture requirements.

• CMM and inspection routines are accurate, repeatable, and efficient.

• First article and in-process inspection issues are identified early and resolved quickly.

• Inspection fixtures and datum strategies improve repeatability and reduce setup time.

• Manufacturing and quality teams view the role as a trusted inspection and metrology resource.

Required Qualifications

• 5 years experience with CMM programming and operation PC-DMIS.

• 2 years advanced education-in-trade.

• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and inspection planning.

• Must be proficient in the use of MS Excel

• Experience with laser tracker setup and operation preferred.

• Ability to develop inspection sheets, inspection fixtures, and measurement methods.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, machining, and quality teams.