Assembler II

IDEX; West Henrietta (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement savings with company

PTO

Job summary

IDEX Materials Science Solutions, a unit of IDEX Corporation, is hiring an Optical Assembly Technician 2. The role focuses on precision optical assembly, active alignment, and metrology in a clean-room environment. You will align optics, verify performance, and secure components with high‑precision tools.

The position requires 3–5 years of hands-on optical assembly experience, micron‑level alignment ability, and independent work capability. Benefits include comprehensive U.S.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in precision optical assembly.
• Demonstrated micron-level alignment accuracy in production or lab settings.
• Experience working independently with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Perform active alignment of lenses and optical elements into metal housings.
• Use metrology tools to achieve required tolerances and document results.
• Adjust decenter, tip, tilt, and axial position to specifications.
• Apply adhesives and secure optics while maintaining alignment during cure.
• Inspect optics and housings for defects and dimensional accuracy.
• Document alignment data and final build conditions; support root-cause investigations.

Skills

Optical alignment

Metrology

Clean-room operations

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Micron-level accuracy

Education

High school diploma

Technical certification / associate degree in optics

Tools

Air-bearing spindles

Autocollimators

Alignment telescopes

Precision stages

Dial indicators

Job description

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact. With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.

Job Description

This role is a A Shift Opening with hours of 6:00am-2:30pm ITAR/EAR CRITERIA: Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be \"U.S. Persons,\" as defined in these regulations. Generally, a \"U.S. Person\" is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.

Who is Materials Science Solutions (MSS)?

IDEX Materials Science Solutions (MSS) is a business platform within IDEX Corporation that brings together a portfolio of industry‑leading companies specializing in advanced materials, precision manufacturing, optics, coatings, ceramics, and engineered components. Serving customers in the semiconductor, space and defense, and precision forming industries, IDEX MSS partners with OEMs to solve complex engineering challenges through innovative materials science expertise and coordinated global support. From concept development and prototyping to high-volume production, the organization delivers high-performance, mission‑critical solutions that enable customers to advance cutting‑edge technologies and achieve reliable, scalable results.

About the role:

The Optical Assembly Technician 2 performs advanced optical assembly and alignment operations requiring micron‑and sub‑micron‑level accuracy. This role is responsible for actively aligning optical elements to mechanical housings, verifying optical and mechanical performance, and permanently securing optics using high‑precision tools and metrology. Work is performed in a controlled clean‑room manufacturing environment and requires significant technical skill, judgment, and independence in the execution of high‑performance optical products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform active alignment of lenses and optical elements into metal housings using precision fixturing.
• Use alignment and metrology tools such as air‑bearing spindles, autocollimators, alignment telescopes, precision stages, and indicators to achieve required tolerances.
• Adjust decenter, tip, tilt, and axial position to meet defined optical and mechanical specifications.
• Apply adhesives and permanently secure optics while maintaining alignment during cure.
• Inspect optical elements for defects including scratches, digs, chips, and coating defects.
• Inspect machined metal housings for burrs, surface damage, and dimensional inconsistencies.
• Evaluate cosmetic and functional acceptability using defined optical inspection criteria.
• Determine fitness‑for‑use of optics and hardware prior to assembly and escalating issues as required.
• Measure critical features using high‑precision metrology tools including micrometers, bore gauges, comparators, and dial indicators.
• Verify alignment results and dimensional stability before, during, and after bonding.
• Independently troubleshoot alignment and assembly challenges, including tolerance stack‑up, fixture inaccuracies, part variability, and contamination.
• Adapt alignment and assembly techniques within controlled parameters when documented processes are incomplete or ambiguous.
• Partner with engineering and quality to resolve complex assembly issues.
• Accurately document alignment data, measurements, and final build conditions.
• Provide technical feedback to support process improvement, yield enhancement, and design for manufacturability.
• Support root‑cause investigations and corrective actions related to optical assembly issues.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, repeatability, and discipline in clean‑room operations.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical certification, associate degree, or equivalent advanced vocational training in optics, precision manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.
• 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in precision optical assembly, active optical alignment, or optical metrology.
• Demonstrated experience achieving micron‑level alignment accuracy in a production or laboratory manufacturing environment.
• Experience working independently on complex, high‑precision optical assemblies with limited supervision.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of optical principles, precision measurement, and mechanical tolerancing.
• Proficiency with advanced optical alignment and metrology equipment.
• Ability to interpret optical and mechanical drawings, specifications, and tolerances.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to exercise technical judgment within defined quality systems.
• Ability to document complex alignment data clearly and accurately.
• Ability to communicate technical issues and observations effectively with engineering and quality teams.
• Demonstrates accountability, adaptability, and disciplined execution in a precision manufacturing environment.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

Work is performed in a clean‑room manufacturing environment. Requires compliance with defined gowning and contamination‑control protocols. Involves handling delicate optical components and precision‑machined hardware. Requires sustained visual focus and fine motor control for detailed alignment tasks. May involve extended periods of sitting or standing. Requires compliance with ESD and chemical‑handling safety requirements.

IDEX Materials Science Solutions, a Unit of IDEX Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

Total Rewards

The compensation range for this position is $37,500.00 - $56,300.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Attention Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.

IDEX (NYSE: IEX) is a company that has undoubtedly touched your life in some way. In fact, IDEX businesses make thousands of products that are mission‑critical components in everyday activities. Chances are the car you’re driving has a BAND-IT® clamp holding your side airbag safely in place. If you were ever in a car accident, a Hurst Jaws of Life® rescue tool may have saved your life. If you or a family member is battling cancer, your doctor may have tested your DNA in a quest to find the best targeted medicine for you. It’s likely your DNA test was run on equipment that contains components made by our growing IDEX Health & Science team.