Optical Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Quality Assurance Calibration & Metrology Specialist

Why join OTTO Engineering?

• At OTTO, we don't just manufacture products - we engineer high quality, mission-critical precision controls solutions, communications accessories, and precision tooling for some of the most demanding markets in the world.
• As a core value, we focus on delivering for our customers through innovative technology, superior quality, value, and responsiveness … as a result, our growth continues! 
• Employees are our greatest asset, which is why we share our company's profits to celebrate our collective success.
• As a privately-owned company, we are proud to invest significantly in our community and in our own growth, focusing on long-term business success.
• We are proudly American!

You'll love our Quality Assurance Team!

Joining the QC department means becoming part of a team built on real camaraderie and shared pride in our work. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, but when it's time to focus, we come together and get things done. You'll find plenty of opportunities to grow and learn. And yes, our monthly team breakfasts are a highlight, along with the everyday moments of laughter, support, and teamwork that make this group feel like a community. It's a department with personality, purpose, and people who genuinely enjoy working for OTTO Engineering!

Specifically, we are seeking experience with …

• Surface plate layout inspections
• Operating and/or programming CMM equipment
• Precision measurement equipment, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, thread gages, optical equipment, and related tools
• ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• AS9100, ISO 9001, AS9102, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements

Our Calibration & Metrology Specialist is responsible for managing OTTO's calibration program and supporting inspection activities to ensure product quality, compliance, and measurement integrity. This role oversees internal and external calibration activities, maintains calibration standards and records, performs inspections to verify product conformance, and supports quality system initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and audit readiness.

The Calibration & Metrology Specialist will:

Calibration Management

• Manage OTTO's calibration program, including scheduling, record maintenance, calibration interval tracking, and coordination of internal and external calibration activities.
• Perform calibration activities, including verification of measurement accuracy, documentation of results, and maintenance of calibration status identification.
• Coordinate the shipment, receipt, and tracking of equipment requiring external calibration or repair.
• Maintain calibration procedures, standards, records, and associated documentation.
• Review calibration certificates for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Investigate out-of-tolerance conditions and support corrective action activities related to measurement systems and gaging.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits related to calibration and quality systems.

Inspection & Metrology

• Perform incoming, in-process, final, and first article inspections using appropriate inspection methods and equipment, including CMMs, surface plate, optical, and mechanical measurement systems.
• Operate and support programming of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs).
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to verify product conformance.
• Complete inspection reports and related documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

Quality System Support

• Support quality system activities including Material Review Board (MRB) processes, Material Rejection Reports (MRRs), internal audits, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Gage R&R studies.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 requirements.
• Provide training and guidance related to calibration, inspection, and measurement practices.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and process effectiveness.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively to ensure timely completion of calibration and inspection activities.

• Assist with other related duties as required or assigned.

About you - What you'll bring to the table:

• Associate degree in a technical field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience performing surface plate layout inspections.
• Experience in operating and/or programming CMM equipment preferred; experience with Zeiss CMMs and Calypso software is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with precision measurement equipment, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, thread gages, optical equipment, and related tools.
• Strong understanding of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, AS9102, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Experience with Net-Inspect preferred.
• ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong mathematical aptitude, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Availability to work nonstandard or extended hours as business needs require.

Physical and Visual Requirements

• Bona Fide Occupational Qualification: A visual acuity test and color vision screening will be conducted following offer acceptance. Employment is contingent upon achieving a minimum visual acuity score of 20/25 in both eyes and successfully passing the color vision screening.

What OTTO offers for this specific position:

The hiring range listed in this posting is what we, in good faith, anticipate relying on when confirming an hourly rate for this position; exceptions may be considered for highly experienced candidates with multiple years of at-level experience.

• Target hourly hiring range: $22.00 to $28.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.
• Profit Sharing Bonus - OTTO believes that it's fair to share the profits that the employees help to make; profit sharing is distributed to employees twice a year. OTTO's profit sharing plan is paid at the discretion of the company and is not a guaranteed bonus or any part of a compensation plan.
• Vacation: five days after 30 days of employment and 80 hours at 1 year - vacation time is earned on the anniversary date.

OTTO's Benefits:

Health:

Medical Insurance-

• HMO Plan
• Standard PPO Plan
• Enhanced PPO Plan
• High Deducible PPO Plan
• FSA, LFSA, and HSA

Dental Insurance-

• Base Plan
• Buy-Up Plan

Vision Insurance

401(k) with a company match

Life insurance:

• Life/AD&D
• Voluntary Life/AD&D
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability

10 paid holidays

Company picnic

Holiday party

AND numerous OTTO celebrations throughout the year!

To review all of OTTO's available opportunities, please visit our career page by clicking on the link below:

https://otto-engineering-inc.breezy.hr/

OTTO Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran

Federal Notices

Federal EEOC - Know Your Rights

NLRB Notice

E-Verify

Request for Assistance / Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the online application process. You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.

If you need an alternative method for applying, please contact OTTO Engineering via telephone at 847-428-7171 or email at HRDepartment @ ottoexcellence.com

These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests; please do not inquire as to the status of an application.

OTTO Engineering does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters, agencies, or similar organizations; any submissions will not be honored.