VMM Technician

About the role

The Visual Measuring Machine (VMM) Technician for Voyager Technologies is responsible for the setup, programming, operation, and maintenance of optical non-contact measurement systems — including Vision Measuring Machines, video measuring systems, and related multi-sensor metrology platforms — in support of dimensional inspection across all phases of energetics manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• VMM Setup, Programming & Operation
• Set up and operate VMM systems to inspect production components, incoming materials, and first article samples; configure fixturing, lighting, magnification, and focus parameters appropriate to each part geometry and material.
• Develop, validate, and maintain automated measurement programs (part programs) for recurring inspection routines using VMM software platforms such as Keyence IM-8000 Series, OGP SmartScope ZONE3, Mitutoyo QVPAK, or equivalent to capture linear dimensions, diameters, radii, angles, edge locations, and hole positions.
• Select appropriate optical settings — illumination type, magnification level, camera exposure, and focus method — for each inspection application to optimize image quality and measurement accuracy.
• Validate measurement programs against known reference standards or traceable artifact parts prior to production inspection runs; document calibration and validation checks per the facility's calibration control procedure.
• Perform First Article Inspection (FAI) using the VMM for new part introductions, engineering changes, and customer-required first article submissions; document results in First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) consistent with AS9102 or customer-specified format.
• Read, interpret, and apply complex engineering drawings including orthographic projections, section views, detail drawings, and assembly drawings to identify all dimensioned features requiring VMM inspection.
• Apply GD&T principles per ASME Y14.5 to correctly interpret and measure form, orientation, location, and runout tolerances using the VMM; select and apply appropriate datum reference frames and alignment strategies within the VMM software to ensure GD&T measurements are geometrically valid.
• Identify and apply relevant MIL-SPECs (MIL-DTL, MIL-STD), ASTM standards, customer-specified requirements, and industry standards as needed to supplement or interpret drawing requirements; escalate genuinely ambiguous cases to Quality Engineering with a clearly documented summary of the ambiguity and candidate interpretations considered.
• Analyze VMM measurement output to determine conformance of each measured feature to drawing and specification requirements; apply statistical and comparative analysis to evaluate trends, borderline conditions, and measurement uncertainty relative to tolerance.
• Issue formal disposition for inspected lots (Accept, Reject, or Hold) with documented reference to specific drawing callouts, specification citations, measurement data, and written rationale where interpretation was required.
• Initiate Nonconforming Material Reports (NCRs) for rejected or suspect material; prepare NCR packages with sufficient dimensional data, annotated drawings or measurement reports, and photographic evidence to enable engineering disposition without redundant re-inspection.
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities as the metrology technical representative; identify and communicate process drift findings to manufacturing and quality engineering to support proactive corrective action.
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance on VMM systems including lens cleaning, stage cleaning, light source inspection, and software calibration checks consistent with manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals.
• Verify VMM calibration status prior to each use using certified calibration artifacts; remove systems from service when calibration verification fails and initiate service requests with documented equipment status.
• Maintain calibration records for all VMM systems and associated reference artifacts; coordinate with the calibration coordinator to ensure timely recalibration before due dates.
• Maintain VMM software licenses, part program archives, and measurement template libraries in a controlled, version-managed state consistent with the facility's document control requirements.
• Prepare and maintain inspection records, FAIRs, measurement reports, and NCR documentation in compliance with the facility's Quality Management System and applicable customer or regulatory requirements.
• Enter inspection results, lot dispositions, and equipment usage data into the facility's ERP/MRP or quality management system accurately and in a timely manner.
• Support development and revision of VMM inspection procedures, work instructions, and measurement plans; participate in Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R) studies and Measurement System Analysis (MSA) activities for VMM systems.
• Support internal and customer quality audits by presenting VMM measurement records, demonstrating measurement processes, and explaining inspection methodology.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance
• Comply with all facility explosive safety rules, ATF regulatory requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing the handling, inspection, and movement of energetic components and assemblies within and adjacent to the VMM measurement area.
• Complete and maintain all required explosive safety training and site access certifications; report expired training status proactively and schedule recertification before expiration.
• Handle energetic components presented for VMM inspection with appropriate care; do not improvise fixturing or handling methods for energetic parts without authorization from the Explosive Safety Officer.
• Report any damaged, suspect, or anomalous energetic component encountered during VMM inspection immediately to the Explosive Safety Officer and Quality Manager before continuing inspection.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or technical certificate in Metrology, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Quality Engineering Technology, or a closely related field is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience operating VMM, CMM, optical comparator, or comparable precision metrology equipment in a manufacturing quality or inspection role.
• Demonstrated experience reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings and applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5 in a production inspection context.
• Demonstrated proficiency with at least one VMM/vision measurement software platform: Keyence IM Series, OGP Zone3 or Measure-X, Mitutoyo QVPAK, Nikon iNEXIV, or equivalent.
• Experience developing or modifying automated measurement programs on a VMM or CMM platform — not merely operating pre-existing programs.
• Experience with Nonconforming Material processes including NCR initiation, quarantine management, and MRB participation.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; must pass a federal background investigation consistent with ATF requirements (18 U.S.C.842).

Qualifications

• Formal coursework or certification in blueprint reading, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), precision measurement, or metrology; manufacturer-sponsored VMM or CMM operation and programming training (e.g., Keyence, OGP, Mitutoyo, Nikon) is a significant differentiator.
• Prior experience in defense, aerospace, ammunition, pyrotechnics, or regulated chemical manufacturing; experience performing First Article Inspections and preparing FAIR documentation.
• Physical And/or Government Mandated Requirements
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl for extended periods in an outdoor industrial environment.
• Ability to work in a high-hazard explosive manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, and explosives.
• To wear required PPE, including flame-resistant clothing and other safety equipment, and comply with site-specific requirements such as end-of-day showering.
• To obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses.