Sea-Bird Scientific Calibration Lead

The Calibration Lead serves as a technical leader within our Calibration organization. In this role, you will perform complex calibrations, troubleshoot sophisticated instrumentation and equipment, and act as a key technical resource for the team. This role reports to the Production Supervisor, Manufacturing & Operations.

As a senior-level technician, the Calibration Lead will lead daily workflow coordination, mentor and train technicians, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, R&D, and Operations teams to ensure the highest standards of product quality, accuracy, and delivery performance. This position requires deep technical expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to independently solve complex problems while influencing operational excellence across the department.

This is an onsite day shift role, Monday through Friday. Overtime and Weekends may be required.

This role will be part of our Sea-Bird Scientific Manufacturing & Operations Team in our Bellevue, WA location.

In this role, a typical day will look like:

Technical Expertise & Calibration Execution

• Perform advanced calibrations on a broad range of instrumentation and sensor technologies using established procedures and industry best practices.
• Operate and maintain calibration equipment including:
  
  o Manual and hydraulic deadweight testers
  
  o Pressure vessels
  
  o Calibration baths
  
  o Ovens and chillers
  
  o Specialized test and measurement equipment
• Independently analyze calibration results and evaluate instrument performance, accuracy, and drift.
• Troubleshoot complex calibration, equipment, process, and product issues.
• Utilize proprietary software systems to manage work assignments, calibration records, equipment performance, and process documentation.
• Serve as the department's primary technical escalation resource for challenging calibration and instrumentation issues.

Technical Leadership

• Coordinate daily workflow and assist in establishing priorities to support customer commitments and operational objectives.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to technicians across multiple skill levels.
• Support onboarding and development of new employees through structured hands-on training.
• Promote and reinforce best practices, quality standards, and safe work procedures.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor and subject matter expert across calibration processes and equipment.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, throughput, and process reliability.
• Lead or actively participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigate root causes of technical and operational issues and drive implementation of corrective actions.
• Collaborate across functions to resolve production challenges and improve overall operational performance.
• Support development and refinement of procedures, work instructions, and training materials.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Technical Support, and R&D teams to achieve business objectives.
• Communicate effectively regarding priorities, technical issues, and operational risks.
• Facilitate coordination among functional teams to ensure timely completion of work and achievement of department goals.
• Serve as a backup resource for departmental leadership as needed.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Associate degree in a technical discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in calibration, instrumentation, manufacturing, test, or related technical environments.

It would be an asset if you have:

• Experience working within ISO, quality management, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
• Experience supporting cross-functional engineering or R&D initiatives.
• Formal technical training, certifications, or advanced coursework related to instrumentation, electronics, or calibration.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Strong understanding of measurement uncertainty, data interpretation, and process control.
• Ability to independently evaluate complex technical issues and make sound decisions.
• Effective project prioritization and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication capabilities.
• Ability to identify systemic issues and recommend sustainable process improvements.

Physical Demands:

• The employee must have sufficient visual acuity and manual dexterity to assess, manipulate, and assemble work, which may include small components with a fine level of detail.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk, hear, and smell.
• The employee is constantly required to stand/or sit, squat, turn/twist, reach, use hands to: finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and computer keyboards.
• The employee must occasionally lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds and/or frequently lift, carry, push or pull up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals, oils, salt water, extreme temperatures and work space restrictions.
• The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.
• Employees will be required to wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which may include: eye, hearing and respiratory protection, protective smock, steel toe shoes, gloves, or face shields. Contact lenses may not be allowed in some areas.

We anticipate this requisition will be open for a minimum of five days, though it may be open for a longer period of time. We encourage your prompt application.

US ONLY:

The below range reflects the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. An associate's position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any collective bargaining agreements, and business or organizational needs.

The compensation range for this role is $38.00 - $40.00 USD per hour. This job is also eligible for Bonus Pay.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

US residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.