Why Military Veterans Make Amazing Calibration Technicians
How Discipline, Precision, and Mission-First Values Strengthen Calibration and Metrology Teams
We know that manufacturing technicians are the backbone of safe, reliable, and compliant operations, especially in high-stakes industries like aerospace, defense, life sciences, and energy. But not every technician walks in with the right mindset, training, or readiness to thrive in our calibration labs. That’s why military veterans continue to stand out as some of the most capable, dependable, and mission-aligned professionals in our field.
Whether they served in avionics, weapons systems, communications, or engineering units, veterans bring a uniquely valuable combination of technical knowledge, discipline, and situational awareness. Here’s why they’re such a powerful fit for precision-focused roles at SIMCO and across the manufacturing world.
- Extensive Hands-On Calibration Experience
Many veterans transition into civilian life already fluent in the language of calibration. They’ve spent years maintaining and calibrating sensitive equipment, from aircraft instruments to missile guidance systems, and often in environments where failure simply isn’t an option.
Military labs like PMEL (Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory) or TMDE (Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment) shops meet or exceed civilian standards for metrology, documentation, and precision. That means many veterans arrive at SIMCO already equipped with a strong foundation in calibration workflows.
- Familiarity with Standards and Compliance
Compliance is a way of life for veterans. From MIL-STD protocols to ISO 9001 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 calibration standards, veterans understand the value of documentation, traceability, and procedural adherence.
This mindset is critical in SIMCO’s work, where we serve clients in highly regulated industries that depend on uninterrupted audit readiness. Veterans know how to follow standard operating procedures with exactness, ensuring no step is missed and no risk goes untracked.
- Strong Technical Aptitude
Veterans often enter the civilian workforce with advanced training in electrical, mechanical, or electronic systems. Many have direct experience operating, troubleshooting, and calibrating test instrumentation and automated systems in real-world environments.
At SIMCO, where we calibrate everything from torque tools to RF analyzers, that hands-on capability makes onboarding faster and builds long-term technical strength across the team. Many veterans also bring knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and data integrity standards, which is critical for delivering the high-quality calibration that our customers expect.
- Discipline and Attention to Detail
When it comes to calibration, there’s no room for “close enough;” every detail matters. That’s why military veterans are such a great fit. They’re trained to stay focused, follow steps exactly, and work with precision, even under pressure.
They know from experience that one wrong setting or skipped check can have serious consequences. That kind of discipline shows up in everything they do. At SIMCO, it means fewer mistakes, stronger results, and a team you can trust to get the job done right the first time.
- Reliability and Accountability
SIMCO’s customers count on our technicians to complete calibration jobs thoroughly, accurately, on time, and often at customer sites with limited supervision. That’s exactly the kind of responsibility veterans are used to handling.
They know how to take charge, stay focused, and see the job through, whether it’s making sure tools are ready or fixing something critical under pressure. They’re used to working within a clear structure while still making smart decisions on their own, and they hold themselves to a high standard, even when no one’s watching.
- Security Clearance and Trustworthiness
When the job involves classified systems or secure sites, trust isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s where veterans have a clear edge. Many come to us with active or past security clearances and a deep understanding of what it means to work in high-security environments.
At SIMCO, we handle sensitive equipment every day. Having veterans on our team means we’re bringing in people who already know how to operate with discretion, follow strict protocols, and protect what matters. It’s one more reason we count on them, and why our customers do too.
- Leadership and Adaptability
Even junior enlisted personnel are frequently tasked with leading teams, training peers, and managing resources. That experience translates well to SIMCO’s fast-moving, customer-focused environment, where technicians must often juggle shifting priorities, collaborate cross-functionally, and lead by example.
Veterans also adapt quickly to new technology and regulatory shifts. These are key traits in a field where calibration methods, instrumentation, and standards are continually evolving.
- Culture Fit in Aerospace, Defense, and Beyond
At SIMCO, we work in industries where the margin for error is razor-thin, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Veterans get that because they’ve been in environments where precision, urgency, and accountability are the norm.
When you bring a veteran onto the team, you’re not just adding technical talent, you’re raising the bar for how the whole team shows up and performs.
Bringing the Mission Home
We don’t just hire for experience, we hire for mindset. And veterans bring one that’s hard to teach: purpose-driven, detail-focused, and committed to doing the job right.
Some of the most trusted and respected technicians at SIMCO are former service members who have found a new mission in keeping systems safe, accurate, and compliant.
Hiring veterans isn’t about checking a box. It’s about building stronger teams with people who already know what it means to serve.
Interested in bringing your skills to SIMCO?
Visit simco.com/careers to explore technician opportunities in calibration, metrology, and field service.
SIMCO is proud to partner with the DoD SkillBridge program. Just type in “SIMCO” in the keyword search field and hit the “search” button.
In need of calibration services? Connect with us to receive a quote that supports your calibration needs.