Metrology Engineer Apprentice
Labone Castleside Limited · Location to be confirmed
Lean manufacturing operative (level 2)
Injection moulding metrology engineer is a specialized quality assurance professional who measures, analyses, and verifies the physical dimensions of plastic parts produced through injection moulding. They ensure that manufactured components match their exact engineering blueprints and meet strict industry tolerances.
The work
Core Responsibilities Dimensional Inspection:
- Using advanced measurement equipment to check part thickness, warp, angles, and overall geometry
- First Article Inspection (FAI): Verifying the very first parts Off a new mould to approve the tool for mass production
- Mould Cavity Tuning: Identifying precisely where a mould tool needs to be modified or shaved down if the plastic parts are coming out out-of-spec
- Gauge R&R Studies: Testing and validating the measurement tools themselves to ensure consistency and repeatability across different operators
- Common Tools of the Trade CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines): Tactile probes that touch specific points on a part to map its dimensions in 3D space
- 3D Scanners: High-tech blue light or laser scanners that create a full digital "point cloud" of a physical part to compare it directly against the original CAD model. Manual Tools - Caliper, Pin Gauges, Micrometer, Feeler gauges, pin gauges etc.
- Material and Quality Testing Devices: Include moisture balances, hardness testers (Shore / Rockwell), and melt flow indexers to inspect incoming polymer resins
- The Quality Core Tools PFMEA (Process FMEA): Focuses on manufacturing and assembly process risks caused by human error or machine failure Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) A structured framework used to design and develop products that meet customer requirements before production starts
- Statistical Process Control (SPC) A method that uses statistics and control charts to monitor and manage manufacturing stability over time. Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) A testing process that ensures gauges and tools measure accurately and reliably. Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) A qualification process that confirms production parts meet exact customer specifications. Control Plan - A living document that outlines the specific manufacturing steps and real-time controls needed to execute risk strategies identified in an FMEA
- Risk and Root-Cause Analysis Tools If you want alternatives focused on problem-solving, risk evaluation, and finding the origin Of defects: Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa / Cause-and-Effect) A visual chart shaped like a fish skeleton that categorizes potential causes of a problem under headings like Manpower, Machine, Material, and Method. 5 Whys A simple questioning technique where you ask "Why?" five successive times to drill down from a surface symptom to a deep root cause
- Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) A top-down, deductive logic diagram that traces backward from an undesired system failure to find all possible root causes
- Pareto Chart A combined bar and line graph that highlights the vital few defects or issues causing the majority of overall quality failures
Training
The apprenticeship is delivered fully within the workplace, with no college release days.
Training provider: DERWENTSIDE COLLEGE
What you come out with
On successful completion of the apprenticeship we would assess if there is an opportunity for a full time position within the company.
What they are looking for
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
The employer
Plastic injection mouldings and assembly, supported by a full project engineering function. We take programs from CAD models to mass production, supporting the customer throughout. The plant list covers 33 machines spanning a tonnage range from 50T to 1080T. In addition, a wide range of assembly stations unique to customer requirements are established with full fault prevention auto checking. See website for more details.