About the Position
The Quality CMM Programmer is the technical authority on dimensional inspection at Helix, working on our Hexagon CMM platform in PC-DMIS. This role goes beyond routine part inspection, it requires the judgment to architect measurement strategies from first principles, fluent command of GD&T per ASME Y14.5, and enough working knowledge of CNC machining to anticipate where dimensional risk lives before a part ever hits the table.
You'll mentor junior technicians, drive continuous improvement in measurement efficiency, and serve as the final word on complex inspection challenges.
Core Responsibilities
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Architect, program, and optimize complex CMM inspection routines on a Hexagon CMM using PC-DMIS, including CAD-based and DCC (direct computer control) programming.
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Serve as the technical authority on GD&T interpretation, resolving ambiguous or conflicting drawing callouts per ASME Y14.5.
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Design efficient, repeatable measurement strategies for tight-tolerance precision components, balancing cycle time against measurement certainty.
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Partner with CNC machinists and manufacturing engineering to align inspection strategy with machining setups, fixturing, and process capability.
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Lead first article inspections (FAI), PPAP submissions, and capability studies (Cp/Cpk) for new and revised part numbers.
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Diagnose and correct measurement discrepancies, distinguishing part nonconformance from programming, fixturing, or machine error.
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Drive root cause analysis and corrective action for dimensional nonconformances, working cross-functionally with machining and engineering.
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Own and continuously improve the PC-DMIS program library; revision control, standardization, documentation.
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Mentor and train quality technicians on CMM programming, GD&T fundamentals, and measurement best practices.
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Evaluate and recommend new probing, fixturing, and software capabilities to advance the metrology lab's capability.
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Represent quality/metrology in design reviews, providing early input on measurability and inspection feasibility.
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Support internal and customer audits as technical lead for dimensional measurement systems.
Who You Are
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You think in tolerances and see measurement strategy as an engineering problem, not a checklist.
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You can build an inspection program from scratch for a new, complex part with minimal oversight.
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You're comfortable being the person others come to when a GD&T callout is ambiguous or a measurement doesn't add up.
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You teach as naturally as you execute, junior technicians get sharper because they work with you.
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You partner easily across machining, engineering, and quality without waiting to be asked.
What You Bring
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5+ years programming/operating Hexagon CMMs in production; advanced PC-DMIS (CAD-based, DCC, manual) (required)
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Expert-level GD&T understanding per ASME Y14.5, able to teach and enforce it
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Working knowledge of CNC turning/milling and its impact on part geometry
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Proven ability to build inspection programs from scratch with minimal oversight
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Strong background in MSA, Gauge R&R, and SPC
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Independent reader of complex drawings, models, and specs
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Strong communicator and mentor to quality technicians
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Degree in Manufacturing, Metrology, or Mechanical Engineering; GD&T certification
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Background in precision machining or aerospace-grade quality systems (ISO 9001 / AS9100D, PPAP)
What Success Looks Like
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Inspection programs are built right the first time, minimal rework, minimal escapes.
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FAI and PPAP submissions are complete, accurate, and on schedule.
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Nonconformance root cause is correctly identified as part, program, fixture, or machine error, not guessed at.
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The PC-DMIS program library is standardized, documented, and under revision control.
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Junior technicians visibly grow in GD&T fluency and CMM programming skill under your mentorship.
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Quality/metrology input in design reviews measurably reduces inspection feasibility issues downstream.
About Helix Linear
Helix Linear Technologies designs and manufactures high-precision motion control systems for medical device, advanced industrial automation, aerospace & defense industries — where performance and reliability down to ±0.0001 inches make all the difference.
We design, machine, grind, and assemble critical motion components in-house, including precision ball screws and linear systems, in a clean, climate-controlled facility equipped with Citizen Swiss lathes, multi-axis CNC mills, precision grinders, and specialized assembly and test systems.
Helix is a growing company. We are investing in new equipment, advanced processes, the people and systems required to scale with discipline.
You'll work alongside machinists, engineers, operators, and commercial team members who take pride in their craft and hold themselves to high standards. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, retirement plans, PTO and major holidays, and consistent hours.
If precision, accountability, and doing the job right matter to you, your work will matter here.
Helix Linear Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Due to U.S. export control laws, applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident).
