CMM Quality Technician at Tenneco in South Bend, IN

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win.

How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here.

Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way

Tenneco has Excellent benefit options that starts upon date of hire, including a medical PPO and high deductible option, dental, vision (basic and enhanced option), life insurances, critical illness, pet insurance, life lock, and other benefit options. Also, there is a 401(k) with an enhanced contribution and matching program. Rate of pay for a CMM Quality Technician starts at $31 per hour and progresses to $32 an hour. Plus night premium is another $.50 for second and third shifts.

The CMM Quality Technician is responsible for advanced dimensional inspection, metrology, weld validation, and process qualification activities. The position performs inspection and validation of welded assemblies, fixtures, tooling, gauges, and production equipment using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), Hexagon Romer portable measuring arms, laser scanning systems, and associated metrology software. This role supports product launch, process development, production readiness, welder qualification, Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) validation, measurement system validation, and ongoing manufacturing operations.

The technician develops and executes measurement strategies, analyzes dimensional data, validates compliance to engineering drawings and customer specifications, and communicates technical findings to Quality, Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations. The position also supports validation and troubleshooting activities involving production-related sensors, monitoring devices, electronic components, and automated systems used within manufacturing and inspection processes. This position is responsible for contributing to a safe workplace and minimizing negative environmental impacts by complying with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies, procedures, and work instructions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up, operate, and program fixed and portable CMM equipment, including Hexagon Romer arms, laser scanning systems, and associated software.

• Develop and validate inspection programs for welded assemblies, fixtures, gauges, tooling, and prototype or production components.

• Create measurement strategies based on engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, customer specifications, and manufacturing requirements.

• Perform dimensional inspection and validation of large fabricated weldments and assemblies.

• Establish datum structures, coordinate systems, and inspection methodologies for complex welded structures and fabrication projects.

• Support Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) activities through dimensional verification, data collection, documentation, and validation of qualification results.

• Support welder qualification testing and validation activities in accordance with approved welding procedures, customer specifications, and internal requirements.

• Perform fixture, tooling, and gauge qualification studies to verify dimensional capability and fitness for use.

• Conduct measurement system validation, calibration support activities, MSA studies, and gauge verification activities.

• Collect, analyze, store, and report inspection and validation data using approved systems and software.

• Generate dimensional layouts, capability studies, and technical reports for product launch, PPAP submissions, process validation, and ongoing production support.

• Support APQP activities, prototype builds, production trials, and manufacturing readiness assessments.

• Support root cause investigations, corrective actions, containment activities, and continuous improvement efforts related to dimensional, welding, and manufacturing concerns.

• Assist in validation and troubleshooting of sensors, electronic components, monitoring devices, and automated inspection equipment used within manufacturing processes.

• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, weld symbols, customer specifications, Caterpillar engineering requirements, and internal standards.

• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to Quality, Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, suppliers, and customer representatives as required.

• Train and support operators, technicians, and other users of metrology equipment and measurement systems.

• Maintain accurate inspection, validation, calibration, qualification, and testing records.

• Identify opportunities to improve inspection methods, measurement efficiency, data quality, and process capability.

GENERAL DUTIES:

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS:

• Promotes and actively supports a safety-first workplace culture, identifies and reports unsafe conditions, and stops work when necessary to ensure safety.
• All team members abide by the location’s Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policy which is enforced by the local leadership, complies with the legal and other requirements and operational controls established under its EHSMS, works towards achieving established objectives and targets, and conforms to procedures consistent with the ISO 14001 standard.
• All team members will understand all the environmental aspects of his/her job. An employee should report, and if necessary, stop any activity that does not conform to the policy or may injure himself/herself.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Identifies and addresses non-conforming work, materials, or procedures within a timely manner
• Each team member has the authority to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of non-conformities relating to the product, process and quality system and has the authority to stop further work on non-conforming suspect product until the deficiency or conditions have been corrected.
• Takes ownership of work by demonstrating accountability for results and being honest and transparent when things do not go to plan.
• Follows 5S principles by maintaining, cleaning, organizing, and improving the areas. Also, by making suggestions to get to the next level of excellence and then doing it again.

CORE EXPECTATIONS:

• Consistently meets high standards of safety, quality, integrity, and performance.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrates a willingness to hold tough conversations with others while seeking first to understand, speaking with respect, and with the purpose of making things better.
• Supports the leadership team as needed to meet the plant and business unit objectives.
• All other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

• Associate degree or technical certificate in Metrology, Manufacturing Technology, Welding Technology, Quality Technology, Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, military experience, certifications, and relevant work experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Experience operating and/or programming CMM equipment and related metrology systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Experience using precision measurement equipment and inspection tools.
• Strong computer skills including data management, reporting, and technical documentation.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred:

• Experience with Hexagon Romer arms, laser scanning systems, PolyWorks, PC-DMIS, or similar metrology platforms.
• Experience inspecting welded assemblies, fabricated structures, or heavy industrial products.
• Experience supporting welding qualification activities, PQRs, WPSs, or welder qualification programs.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC, and capability studies.
• Experience in ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with AWS welding standards and weld symbols.
• Experience supporting launch or prototype manufacturing activities.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work in manufacturing, fabrication, laboratory, and welding environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, climb, and sit for extended periods.
• Frequent use of computers, metrology equipment, and precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to safely lift and maneuver materials, fixtures, gauges, and equipment up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work around welding equipment, moving machinery, and industrial manufacturing processes.
• Ability to distinguish dimensions, details, and defects through visual inspection and measurement activities.
• Ability to travel occasionally for training, equipment support, customer visits, or benchmarking activities.

APTITUDES

The following aptitudes are needed in at least a medium degree, ranging from slightly below to slightly above average as compared to the normal population:

• Intelligence and general learning ability.
• Verbal communication and comprehension.
• Numerical and analytical reasoning.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Spatial visualization and interpretation of three-dimensional relationships.
• Form perception and attention to detail.
• Technical problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Computer and software proficiency.
• Motor coordination and precision movement.

The following aptitudes are required at an above-average level:

• Manual dexterity.
• Finger dexterity.
• Technical judgment.
• Investigative and analytical thinking.
• Ability to independently organize and prioritize work activities.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities