Sr. CMM Programmer

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Senior CMM Programmer supports EXALTA’s Marquette, MI manufacturing operations by developing, validating, and optimizing advanced Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) inspection programs to ensure products meet engineering requirements, customer specifications, and medical device quality standards. This role serves as a technical expert in metrology, translating complex engineering drawings and GD&T into robust, repeatable inspection routines using Hexagon PC-DMIS.

The Senior CMM Programmer partners closely with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Engineering, and Machining teams to improve measurement capability, reduce inspection cycle time, and strengthen overall process control. This role also provides mentorship to less experienced programmers and inspectors while helping ensure compliance with regulatory and quality system requirements typical in medical device manufacturing environments. Through strong technical expertise and collaboration, this position contributes directly to product quality, regulatory compliance, and ultimately patient safety.

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RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Develop, validate advanced PC-DMIS CMM programs for complex machined components and assemblies with tight tolerances.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications while applying GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to create effective inspection strategies including datum structures, alignments, and feature evaluation.
• Design efficient, repeatable inspection routines including probe path optimization, alignment strategies, fixturing considerations, and automated reporting.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of measurement issues including program errors, fixturing variation, and part variation; partner cross-functionally on containment, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Support inspection activities including incoming inspection, in-process inspection, First Article Inspection (FAI), and final inspection as required by production demand.
• Establish and maintain program revision control, inspection documentation, and objective evidence in accordance with regulated quality system requirements.
• Develop and maintain inspection standard work, including work instructions, inspection templates, programming standards, and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving measurement capability, reducing inspection cycle time, and preventing defects.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to CMM operators, inspectors, or junior programmers to improve metrology capability across the organization.
• Support internal and external audits by providing inspection documentation, rationale for measurement strategies, and traceability evidence.
• Coordinate routine CMM verification, calibration support, and maintenance activities in partnership with the Quality team.
• This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all of the essential functions.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED AND/OR PREFERRED:   

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metrology, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• 5+ years of experience programming and operating CMMs in a precision manufacturing environment; experience in medical device or other regulated industries strongly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Hexagon PC-DMIS, including program development, optimization, debugging, and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and demonstrated ability to translate complex drawings into effective measurement strategies.
• Experience measuring complex machined components including prismatic and freeform features with high repeatability.
• Experience developing fixturing strategies and multiple alignment methods to improve measurement accuracy and repeatability.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and documentation expectations within regulated environments (e.g., ISO 13485 or similar frameworks).
• Working knowledge of statistical methods including SPC and process capability analysis preferred.
• Professional certification such as ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or related metrology certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  

Technical Competencies

• Advanced CMM Programming: Expert-level PC-DMIS programming including complex feature measurement, program optimization, and automation.
• GD&T Application: Strong ability to interpret and apply ASME Y14.5 standards in real-world inspection scenarios.
• Metrology & Measurement Strategy: Expertise in measurement techniques, alignment strategies, probing methods, and fixturing considerations to ensure repeatable results.
• Quality Systems & Documentation: Ability to maintain inspection traceability, documentation, and revision control in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Root Cause & Problem Solving: Skilled in troubleshooting measurement discrepancies and supporting corrective action investigations.
• Statistical Analysis: Ability to apply SPC, measurement system understanding, and capability concepts to improve inspection processes.

Behavioral Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Maintains high accuracy and documentation discipline in measurement programming and inspection activities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effectively partners with Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Technical Leadership: Provides mentorship, guidance, and best practices to inspectors and junior programmers.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities to improve inspection efficiency, capability, and process reliability.
• Communication: Clearly communicates technical concepts, measurement results, and inspection strategies to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Adaptability & Time Management: Successfully manages multiple priorities and production-driven deadlines in a manufacturing environment.