Optical Fabrication Technician III

Key Responsibilities: Independently set up and run complex or high-value optical fabrication jobs with minimal supervision, including tight-tolerance work on challenging substrates and geometries. Operate and optimize conventional fabrication processes including grinding, lapping, polishing, beveling/chamfering, and edge finishing across a range of optical materials (glass, crystalline, IR-transmitting, and specialty substrates). Work from optical drawings, travelers, process routings, and specifications to deliver parts to tight requirements. Perform advanced in-process and final inspection using shop metrology and optical inspection tools including: Interferometers (Zygo or equivalent) for flatness, transmitted wavefront, and surface figure Autocollimators for wedge and angle verification Micrometers, calipers, and electronic/dial indicators Microscopes and visual inspection tools for cosmetic evaluation per applicable specs Surface profilers or other metrology equipment as required Drive process control for critical features including thickness/parallelism, wedge/angle, flatness, edge condition, and cosmetics. Troubleshoot process and equipment issues; identify root causes and implement corrective actions in coordination with engineering and quality. Mentor and train Technician I and II personnel on setup standards, workmanship expectations, safe handling, documentation/traceability, and quality acceptance criteria. Support development and improvement of work instructions, process documentation, and standard methods. Lead by example in safety, cleanliness, organization, and quality discipline. Support production planning and priority execution by coordinating with supervisors and cross-functional teams. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to improve yield, cycle time, and repeatability.

Required: High school diploma or equivalent (technical training preferred). 8+ years of hands-on optical fabrication/polishing experience (or equivalent depth in precision optics manufacturing). Strong proficiency in conventional polishing/grinding/lapping processes. Strong ability to read and interpret optical drawings, specifications, and travelers. Proficient shop math skills including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to optical fabrication (wedge calculations, angle work, tolerance analysis). Demonstrated experience with precision inspection and process control. Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and mentoring ability. Excellent documentation habits and communication skills.