Metrologist

GIA (Gemological Institute of America); Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site cafe

Electric vehicle charging on-site

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Matching 401-K plan

Job summary

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is seeking a Metrologist to manage calibration, validation, and performance evaluation of laboratory instrumentation at our Carlsbad headquarters. The role focuses on applying measurement science, statistics, and calibration standards to ensure instrument reliability across laboratories.

You will partner with R&D to advance measurement technologies, implement quality systems, and provide technical guidance to operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, metrology or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• 2–3 years in measurement science, calibration, or lab engineering or equivalent.
• Knowledge of calibration principles and measurement uncertainty preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; LabVIEW and 3D design software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop calibration procedures, validation protocols and test plans for laboratory instrumentation.
• Maintain ownership of lab instrumentation and schedule preventive maintenance and calibration.
• Collaborate with R&D to improve measurement systems and support technology transfer.
• Support quality management systems, analyze data to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Document procedures, calibration records, and provide cross-functional technical support.

Skills

Measurement science

Statistical analysis

Calibration principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Physics/Metrology

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

LabVIEW

3D design software

Microsoft Office (Excel/Project/PowerPoint)

Job description

Metrologist

The Company

GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17-acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 600 of its 3,000 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well-being of its employees as well as that of the environment. Click here to learn more about GIA!

The Location

This position is located in Carlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters. This role is onsite five days a week, Monday - Friday.

The Environment

• On-site cafe - affordable custom breakfast and lunch meals and Starbucks drinks!
• Economic friendly services - electric vehicle charging stations on-site
• Ergonomic assessments offered on-site and virtually

The Culture

We foster an environment of autonomy, performance, and passion. Our team members collaborate extensively across various departments, providing high-quality service to internal staff, stakeholders, and the organization as a whole. We value initiative, cross-functional cooperation, and a commitment to excellence in all our endeavors.

What To Expect

• We offer competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401-K plans (no vesting required)
• Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits

Key Responsibilities

Measurement Systems, Calibration & Validation (30%)

• Applies advanced knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, and engineering to develop analytical methods and perform calibration, validation, and performance evaluation of laboratory instrumentation.
• Identifies and applies appropriate test and measurement procedures and recommends suitable calibration standards, reference materials, and test equipment.
• Develops and maintains test plans, calibration procedures, validation protocols, and supporting technical methods.
• Applies statistical methods to analyze measurement standards, processes, and performance data, including measurement uncertainty where applicable.
• Analyzes calibration-related issues, determines appropriate corrective actions, and recommends data-driven improvements to calibration methods and procedures.

Instrumentation Reliability, Preventive Maintenance & Technical Ownership (25%)

• Maintains technical ownership of assigned laboratory instrumentation, including microbalances, 3D non-contact measurement systems, color measurement systems, spectral analysis instruments, and other analytical equipment.
• Develops and maintains preventive maintenance and calibration schedules to support equipment reliability, availability, and compliance.
• Ensures assigned instrumentation across GIA laboratory locations is maintained, documented, and aligned with established standards, procedures, and schedules.
• Troubleshoots and performs appropriate maintenance or repair activities on complex laboratory instrumentation and coordinates additional technical support when required.

Research & Development Partnership & Technology Implementation (20%)

• Partners with Research & Development to improve existing measurement systems and support the development, validation, and implementation of new instrumentation and measurement technologies.
• Serves as the technical interface between Research & Development and laboratory operations to translate technical requirements into practical laboratory implementation and support successful technology transfer.

Quality Systems, Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement (15%)

• Supports the development, implementation, documentation, and continuous improvement of laboratory quality management systems in accordance with applicable domestic and international standards.
• Uses measurement, calibration, and performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities to improve measurement quality and process reliability.
• Implements and verifies corrective and preventive actions associated with identified measurement or quality issues.
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging measurement technologies, methodologies, and relevant industry practices to support continuous improvement.

Technical Documentation, Support & Other Assignments (10%)

• Maintains accurate technical documentation, procedures, calibration records, validation records, and other supporting documentation within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Communicates technical findings, recommendations, and implementation requirements clearly to laboratory, quality, Research & Development, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
• Provides technical support and guidance related to assigned measurement systems and instrumentation.
• Performs other related technical duties and assignments as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Metrology, or a related technical discipline required; Master's degree preferred.
• Two (2) to three (3) years of relevant experience in measurement science, instrumentation, calibration, laboratory engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of calibration principles, statistical analysis, and measurement uncertainty is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with LabVIEW and/or 3D design software is preferred.

Additional Requirements

• This position is primarily on-site and requires regular attendance at the assigned GIA location.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support GIA laboratories, training, and technical initiatives, as needed.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a professional office and laboratory environment.
• Regular use of computers, laboratory instrumentation, and standard office equipment is required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Pay Range

$76,500 - 105,000 annually depending on experience

An Equal Opportunity Employer

All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Disclaimer:

This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.