Principal Quality Technician - Metrology & Measurement Systems

ZF LIFETEC; Mesa, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ZF LIFETEC Mesa, Arizona seeks a Principal Quality Technician specializing in Metrology & Measurement Systems. You will lead advanced CMM programming, develop inspection strategies, and guide measurement methods in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

You’ll provide technical leadership, mentor teams, support calibration and MSA studies, and partner with Engineering, Production, and Supplier Quality to improve process capability and quality performance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; Associate's degree in a technical field preferred.
• 5+ years in manufacturing quality, metrology, measurement systems, or inspection.
• 5+ years hands-on CMM programming experience.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, medical device, electronics, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
• ASQ certification or related quality/metrology certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead CMM programming, dimensional metrology, and measurement system activities across the facility.
• Develop and optimize CMM and vision system programs, measurement plans, and inspection strategies.
• Serve as the technical subject matter expert for GD&T, dimensional analysis, and measurement methodologies.
• Support new product launches by developing inspection plans, validating measurement systems, and implementing new metrology equipment.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and mentoring to quality and manufacturing teams.
• Support calibration systems, receiving inspection activities, MSA studies, and quality system initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering, Production, Supplier Quality, and Operations teams to improve quality, capability, and manufacturing performance.

Skills

CMM programming

Dimensional metrology

GD&T knowledge

Technical leadership

Inspection planning

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree in a technical field

Tools

Vision systems

Calibration management software

Job description

Principal Quality Technician - Metrology & Measurement Systems

Your journey to a meaningful career starts with ZF LIFETEC

Principal Quality Technician - Metrology & Measurement Systems
Mesa, Arizona

Are You a Technical Leader?

Precision matters. Data matters. And the people who know how to turn both into meaningful action are invaluable.

This is an opportunity to lead the technical direction of metrology and measurement systems within a high-volume manufacturing environment. You'll own advanced CMM programming, develop innovative inspection strategies, solve complex manufacturing challenges, and provide the measurement expertise that guides critical business decisions.

Success in this role comes from curiosity, attention to detail, and a relentless drive to understand why problems occur and how to prevent them from happening again. If you're motivated by ownership, technical excellence, and continuous improvement, you'll find significant opportunity to make your mark here.

Who we are

At ZF LIFETEC, we save lives through cutting-edge technology. With more than 60 years of automotive safety innovation, we combine the agility of a growing technology company with the stability and global reach of an industry leader. Across 51 locations in 22 countries, our teams are united by a common purpose: making roads safer and protecting lives.

Our Mesa, Arizona facility is a highly automated manufacturing operation that produces lifesaving airbag inflators for some of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. Using advanced automation, precision manufacturing, and rigorous quality standards, we deliver safety-critical products that people rely on every day, often without ever realizing it.

What You'll Do

• Lead CMM programming, dimensional metrology, and measurement system activities across the facility.
• Develop and optimize CMM and vision system programs, measurement plans, and inspection strategies.
• Serve as the technical subject matter expert for GD&T, dimensional analysis, and measurement methodologies.
• Support new product launches by developing inspection plans, validating measurement systems, and implementing new metrology equipment.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and mentoring to quality and manufacturing teams.
• Support calibration systems, receiving inspection activities, MSA studies, and quality system initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering, Production, Supplier Quality, and Operations teams to improve quality, capability, and manufacturing performance.

What You'll Bring

• Advanced CMM programming experience required.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and technical leadership skills.
• Strong expertise in dimensional metrology, measurement systems, and inspection planning.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Experience developing measurement strategies, probing plans, and inspection methodologies.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement, quality investigations, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a passion for root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making is a plus.
• Experience with vision systems and calibration management software is a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's degree in a technical field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing quality, metrology, measurement systems, or inspection.
• 5+ years of hands‑on CMM programming experience.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, medical device, electronics, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
• ASQ certification or related quality/metrology certifications are a plus.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Own and shape the future of metrology and measurement systems for the facility.
• Serve as the plant's CMM programming and measurement systems expert.
• Solve complex manufacturing and quality challenges using data and analysis.
• Lead projects from problem identification through implementation and measurable results.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Production, and Quality teams.
• Make a visible impact on quality, process capability, and operational performance.

Additional Requirements

ZF LIFETEC Mesa Operations' screening process includes a 10 panel substance abuse screening test that includes testing for THC, ATF lifetime background check, and verification of employment eligibility.

U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status is required.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Contact

[phone]

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice.

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility.

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case‑case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job‑related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran

Principal Quality Technician - Metrology & Measurement Systems

• Innovative Impact: Shape the future of safety with life-saving technology that truly matters.
• Dynamic Workplace: Thrive in an agile, collaborative environment where every idea counts.
• Culture of Excellence: Be part of a team with over 60 years of high standards and groundbreaking achievements.
• Growth & Empowerment: Advance your career with strong support for personal and professional development.

Diversity & Inclusion

At ZF LIFETEC, we are committed to building a culture where inclusiveness thrives and diversity is valued. We welcome unique perspectives and actively work to remove barriers, empowering all employees to reach their full potential. Guided by this vision, we innovate and create life-saving technology that makes a real impact on automotive safety.