Jobs for Good Measure
But it isn't always easy to classify the workers who apply metrology in their jobs. Metrology workers are employed in a variety of industries and have different job duties. For example, both scientists conducting research in a laboratory and technicians supervising production on a factory floor might rely on knowledge of metrology. And because metrologists come from diverse educational backgrounds, many learn their skills on the job.
In the United States, metrology standards are determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. There are three different types of metrology: scientific, legal and industrial. Scientific metrology focuses on developing new systems of measurement and standardizing existing ones. Legal metrology is concerned with regulating measurements and measuring instruments related to public policy issues, such as preserving public safety and health. Industrial metrology applies the principles of measurement science to manufacturing.
Workers in scientific and legal metrology are usually employed by government agencies. But most metrology workers have jobs in industrial metrology, where they test new products for private companies as well as for government. For example, an industrial metrologist working in the automobile industry may design an evaluation for a car's crash detection system. And another industrial metrologist, employed in government, might verify that the system works correctly.
Classifying metrology jobs is difficult because of these workers' varied skills, educational levels, and positions. There are also some occupations in which metrology skills are only part of the job: An electronics engineer designing microchips, for example, might occasionally perform metrology tasks but has many other duties as well.
And metrology workers may have different titles, depending on their industry and employer. Other job titles might include calibration engineers, calibration technicians, quality engineers, quality technicians, process control technicians, and safety engineers.
There are many industries that employ metrologists.
- Aerospace. Complex machinery like airplanes requires metrology workers to consider both function and safety. Metrologists in aerospace supervise the manufacture of planes and are responsible for testing their components, including turbines and landing gear.
- Communications. Without metrology, dependable and secure digital networks couldn't exist. In computer network security, for example, metrologists thwart hackers by developing new programs to measure network activity and flag suspicious actions.
- Construction. Metrology aids the construction industry in a number of ways. Metrology tools developed for building managers help them determine the cost-effectiveness of worksite decisions. By researching new methods to automate the construction process, metrologists help reduce labor costs. And the production of cheaper, more resistant building materials relies on measurement science.
- Energy. All energy companies rely on the work of metrologists. Every building has a meter that displays its energy consumption, and calibration technicians ensure that these meters provide accurate readings. Consumption measurements are the underpinning of the energy industry; without them, energy companies wouldn't be able to charge custom-ers by use.
- Healthcare. For many patients, the proper functioning of medical devices is a matter of life and death. And metrologists are required to calibrate and certify medical devices, such as external pacemakers and fetal monitors. By fine tuning machinery, metrology workers ensure the accuracy of medical tests to allow for the best possible diagnoses.
Workers in metrology often follow indirect career paths to their jobs. There are, however, some skills and training common to workers in metrology occupations. And experience may lead to increased responsibilities in other metrology work.
Highly skilled metrologists, those developing new tests and product designs in laboratories, must be proficient in mathematics, the sciences, and engineering. They must also have excellent communication skills, because they often work on teams with other researchers and scientists. Metrologists at the technician level need mechanical aptitude. Technicians also must be able to maintain high levels of concentration while making slight, precise adjustments to equipment.
Unlike other sciences, metrology has a relatively low profile with few formal education programs. There are several degree programs for metrologists at the associate-degree level. Some 4-year universities offer metrology specializations in their engineering departments. Many metrologists who have a bachelor's or higher degree study a science or engineering discipline other than metrology. Some research metrologists, for example, might have a physics or mechanical engineering degree. Others have a degree specific to the industry in which they are employed; for example, metrologists working in the aerospace industry might have a degree in aerospace engineering.
Metrologists at the technician level may not need a degree. Most have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. The U.S. military also offers many training programs in the study of metrology.
Some associations that might provide more information on metrology work and education include the following:
Source: Occupational Outlook Quarterly (53.3), Fall 2009
