Fabrication Technician

IDEX; Cosby; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Shift allowance

Performance bonus scheme

Healthcare scheme

On-site employee benefits

Supportive team environment

Opportunities for training and develop

Job summary

CVI Infrared Optics, part of IDEX Materials, Science and Solutions, seeks an experienced CNC Programmer, Setter & Operator (3-Axis) to join our Fabrication Team. You will program, set and run 3-axis CNC milling machines to produce high‑precision optical components to tight tolerances.

Working with delicate materials, you will interpret drawings, set tooling, perform in-process inspections and maintain traceability, helping us meet customer requirements while adhering to TPM, SOPs and strict

Qualifications

• Proven experience programming, setting and operating 3-axis CNC milling machines.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Ability to manufacture components to micron-level tolerances and surface finish requirements.
• Experience using precision measurement equipment and maintaining traceability.
• Knowledge of SOPs, process sheets and controlled manufacturing documentation.
• Understanding of TPM principles and housekeeping in a precision environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Programme, set and operate 3-axis CNC milling machines to manufacture precision optical components.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications and manufacturing documentation accurately.
• Manufacture components to micron-level tolerances and required surface finishes.
• Set machine tooling, offsets and work-holding arrangements prior to production.
• Produce first-off components and perform in-process inspections to ensure conformity.
• Inspect finished components using CMMs and other precision measurement equipment.
• Clean components and maintain strict cleanliness requirements.
• Carry out visual and surface inspections according to standards.
• Identify defects and non-conformances and escalate as needed.
• Complete production documentation, process sheets and inspection records accurately.
• Maintain full traceability throughout the manufacturing process.

Skills

3-axis CNC programming

CNC setting

CNC milling

Reading engineering drawings

Precision measurement

TPM

SOP compliance

Quality inspection

Independence

Teamwork

Tools

None

Job description

We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer, Setter & Operator (3-Axis) to join our Fabrication Team, manufacturing high-precision infrared and visible optical components to exacting customer specifications. In this role, you will programme, set and operate CNC milling machinery to machine, shape and bevel optical components while working to micron-level tolerances. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality, accuracy, cleanliness and workmanship throughout the manufacturing process. Working with delicate, high-value optical materials, you will take ownership of components from machine set-up and process preparation through to final inspection, ensuring all parts meet drawing, process and customer requirements.,

• Programme, set and operate 3-axis CNC milling machines to manufacture precision optical components.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications and manufacturing documentation accurately.
• Manufacture components to micron-level tolerances and required surface finish standards.
• Set machine tooling, offsets and work-holding arrangements prior to production.
• Produce first-off components and perform in-process inspections to ensure conformity.
• Inspect finished components using CMMs and other precision measurement equipment.
• Clean components using approved processes while maintaining strict cleanliness requirements.
• Carry out visual and surface inspections in accordance with applicable standards.
• Identify defects, contamination, damage, chips, scratches or other non-conformances and escal...
• Complete production documentation, process sheets and inspection records accurately.
• Maintain full traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions and approved manufacturing processes.
• Understand and support Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) activities to ensure equipment reliability.
• Maintain a clean, organised and controlled working environment.
• Handle delicate and high-value optical materials with care throughout manufacture and inspection.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues while also being capable of working independently.
• Prioritise workload effectively to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Identify and support opportunities for continuous improvement in safety, quality, efficiency and repeatability.
• Report equipment issues, tooling concerns, quality issues and process abnormalities promptly.
• Comply with all company Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental procedures.

Key Relationships

• Work closely with colleagues within the Fabrication Department to share knowledge and provide support.
• Maintain regular communication with your Supervisor, raising concerns or issues promptly.
• Build positive working relationships across the business through a professional and collaborative approach.

Working Environment

This role is based within a precision optical fabrication environment where products are often small, delicate and high value. The successful candidate will be comfortable working within a controlled manufacturing environment and maintaining high standards of cleanliness, attention to detail and housekeeping. Due to the nature of the products, strict adherence to documented manufacturing processes and careful handling of components are essential.

Physical Requirements

The role involves supporting the day-to-day operation of the fabrication area, including moving materials and optical components between departments. Regular lifting of items in excess of 5kg may be required. Reasonable adjustments may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

• Proven experience programming, setting and operating 3-axis CNC milling machines.
• Experience manufacturing precision components to tight dimensional tolerances.
• Experience working to micron-level tolerances.
• Ability to read and accurately interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience using precision measurement and inspection equipment.
• Good understanding of machining principles, tooling and cutting parameters.
• Experience working with SOPs, process sheets and controlled manufacturing documentation.
• Understanding of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles.
• High level of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Excellent attention to detail and quality standards.
• Ability to work accurately with small and delicate components.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Strong team-working skills.
• Commitment to quality and right-first-time manufacturing.
• Good understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience programming, setting or operating 5-axis CNC machinery.
• Previous experience within precision engineering, optics manufacturing or a similarly controlled production environment.
• Experience machining infrared optical materials or other brittle and specialist materials.
• Experience using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs).
• Knowledge of optical surface inspection and cleanliness requirements.
• Understanding of ISO and DIN standards relating to optical components and surface quality.
• Experience using CNC programming software and CAM systems.
• Experience machining non-metallic, specialist or brittle materials to tight tolerances.
• Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement activities.
• Understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability and quality control techniques.

"CVI Infrared Optics is a part of the IDEX Materials, Science and Solutions (MSS) platform. Besides our unique capabilities in manufacturing large optics from visible to longwave, we are backed by the combined capabilities of our platform. CVI offers a full spectrum of optical engineering, manufacturing, and assembly expertise. Together we can support all our customers with more engineering expertise, broader capabilities, and extensive manufacturing resources. Since 1982, CVI Infrared Optics has been manufacturing advanced optical components for high performance optronics systems. We have become the leading experts in manufacturing and integration of large optics from visible, and near infrared, to longwave infrared, that can continuously perform in extreme weather climates and harsh conditions."

"When you need robust optical components and assembly expertise for your mission critical application, we can provide world-class solutions."

• Competitive salary
• Shift allowance
• Performance bonus scheme
• Healthcare scheme
• On-site employee benefits
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunities for training and development