Job Title:  Optician - Precision Fabrication

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. We are seeking an Optician – Precision Fabrication to join our Extreme Precision Optics team in Richmond, CA.

As an Optician – Precision Fabrication, you will be fabricating and finishing high-tolerance optics that support demanding customer applications across aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, and industrial markets. This role is part of a hands-on manufacturing environment where opticians partner closely with engineering, quality, and optical metrology to deliver components that meet stringent form, surface quality, and delivery requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform advanced optical fabrication processes (coring/sawing, generating, beveling, blocking, fine grinding, lapping, polishing and finishing) for high-tolerance components.
• Independently set up, operate, and troubleshoot optical fabrication equipment; select tooling/consumables and optimize parameters to achieve form, surface quality and throughput targets.
• Lead day-to-day execution on assigned jobs; coordinate with planning, engineering and management to meet quality and on-time delivery commitments.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, process travelers and specifications; ensure work is documented and traceable.
• Perform and/or support optical testing and metrology (e.g., interferometry); interpret results and recommend corrective actions.
• Mentor and train junior opticians in equipment setup, safe optics handling and best practices; provide technical guidance as needed.
• Maintain equipment, fixtures and tooling; perform preventive maintenance and support continuous improvement initiatives (yield, cycle time, safety and 5S).

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree in manufacturing or optics preferred.
• 6+ years of hands-on production manufacturing/operations in precision optical manufacturing (lapping/polishing and finishing high tolerance optics) is highly desired.
• Expert safe optics handling and cleaning practices appropriate for precision surfaces and coatings. Interferometry and optical metrology experience (setup, data interpretation, and feedback to process) and experience with test plate usage and advanced corrective polishing techniques preferred.
• Optotech, Satisloh, Schneider, CNC experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of surface quality/defect standards and how fabrication processes impact them, ability to improve process (yield/cycle time) preferred.
• Solid mathematical aptitude with ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings, written specifications, and verbal instructions.
• Excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail to handle delicate optical components.
• Collaborative team player with a focus on problem-solving.
• Ability to take initiative, be resilient and flexible with shifting priorities.
• Organized, conscientious and focused
• Driven to achieve with a commitment to quality and a safety-first mindset
• Computer skills for data entry, documentation, and communication
• Capable to lift and move up to 70 lbs. and standing for extended periods of time

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.