Calibration Technician

How to Apply: Visit the SGS application link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com to submit your application.

Prove You Can Calibrate Under Pressure, Not Just Talk About It

Calibration roles at SGS are won by technicians who can show real field experience with tanks and meters, not just classroom theory. The hiring team will screen for hands-on proof, safety discipline, and the ability to work independently across different regions.

1. Lead with tank and meter calibration proof: Your CV should not just list 'calibration experience' — it needs specifics. Mention the types of tanks (above-ground, underground, mobile) and meters (flow, pressure, temperature) you have calibrated, the standards you applied, and the volume of jobs you handled per month. If you issued calibration certificates, say so and note the client sectors. Hiring managers at SGS want to see that you understand the full cycle from scheduling to certificate issuance.

2. Show you know ISO 17020 and legal metrology: The posting explicitly mentions ISO 17020 and legal metrology. Even if you only have basic training, highlight it. Describe how you ensured compliance in past roles — for example, by following documented procedures, maintaining traceability, and handling non-conformities. If you have any training certificates in legal metrology, attach them. This tells the recruiter you will not need hand-holding on standards.

3. Make your driving license and travel readiness obvious: SGS requires a valid driving license and willingness to deploy anywhere in Kenya. State your license class and years of driving experience clearly at the top of your CV. In your cover letter, mention that you are open to regional deployments and have previously worked in remote locations. If you have a clean driving record, say it. This role involves logistics and travel management plans, so they need someone reliable on the road.

4. Prepare for safety scenario questions: You will be asked about risk assessments, job safety analysis, and travel management plans. Before the interview, think of a specific instance where you identified a hazard during a calibration job and how you mitigated it. Use the STAR method: describe the situation, the task, the action you took, and the result. SGS takes H&S seriously — they even require signing Annex B forms — so demonstrate that you do too.

5. Demonstrate inventory and logistics coordination: The role includes equipment maintenance, inventory management, and requisition of items. On your CV, quantify your experience: how many pieces of equipment you maintained, how you tracked inventory, and how you coordinated logistics for field jobs. If you used any software for inventory, name it. This shows you can handle the administrative side, not just the technical work.

6. Show you can handle client invoicing and follow-up: You will be responsible for invoicing jobs and following up on LPOs. Mention any experience you have with invoicing systems or client communication. If you have used ERP software like SAP or Oracle, highlight it. Even if your experience is limited, express willingness to learn and give an example of how you ensured timely documentation in a previous role.

7. Tailor your SMART work plan example: The job requires developing SMART work plans for specific equipment or regions. In your interview, be ready to outline a sample plan: how you would assess client needs, set measurable targets, and adjust for regional challenges. This shows strategic thinking beyond just technical execution. Practice explaining it concisely, focusing on outcomes like reduced downtime or faster certificate delivery.

8. Emphasize integrity and code of ethics: SGS stresses business ethics and integrity talks. Prepare to discuss a time you faced an ethical dilemma and how you handled it. Even a small example — like refusing to falsify a calibration result — works. The interviewer wants to know you will uphold SGS's reputation. Also, mention your willingness to attend safety and integrity talks, as this is a stated requirement.