CNC Machinist

AMETEK Inc.; Richmond (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Zygo Navitar in Richmond, CA is seeking a skilled CNC Machinist to join the Extreme Precision Optics team. You will program and operate 3–5 axis CNC mills to manufacture high‑precision glass and ceramic components with tight tolerances.

Requires HS Diploma or Associate’s Degree and 6+ years CNC experience; proficiency with Fanuc/Siemens controls and knowledge of Mastercam preferred. Role includes mentoring machinists and ensuring safety and lean manufacturing practices.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent.
• Associate’s Degree in Machining Technologies (or similar) strongly preferred. 6+ years CNC Machining experience/competency.
• Advanced math skills including trigonometry and tolerance stack-up; ability to read drawings & GD&T.
• Proficiency with Fanuc and/or Siemens controls; edit programs; basic knowledge of Gibbs and Mastercam.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge; strong safety and quality focus.
• Highly organized, detail oriented with ownership and accountability.
• Strong computer skills; ERP/MRP and CAM/viewer tools.
• Team player with problem-solving and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan, set up, program, and execute complex jobs with high precision.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and planning to meet delivery schedules and develop processes.
• Lead continuous improvement to enhance safety, quality, throughput, and provide guidance to machinists.
• Operate CNC and non-CNC machines to produce high-precision components from glass and ceramic materials.
• Lead complex work holding and machining strategies for low-volume, high-precision parts; setup 3, 4 & 5-axis milling centers.
• Load, edit, and manage CNC programs; support prove-out and engineering changes.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain clean 5S environment; inventory control.

Skills

CNC Machining

GD&T

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

Associate’s Degree in Machining Technologies

HS Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fanuc controls

Siemens controls

Mastercam

CAM software

Job description

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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 OnsiteCNC Machinistto join our Extreme Precision Optics team in Richmond, CA.

As aCNC Machinist, you will work with CNC milling equipment to manufacture high precision glass components.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently plan, set up, program support, and execute complex jobs requiring advanced precision and attention to detail.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, quality, and planning to meet on-time delivery schedules, resolve technical issues, develop processes, tooling, and testing methods for new products; document standard work and mentor/train machinists on new methods.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance safety, quality, throughput, and repeatability, and provide technical guidance to less experienced machinists.
• Operate CNC and non-CNC machines to produce complex, high-precision components from glass and ceramic materials (Zerodur, ClearCeram, Fused Silica, Calcium Fluoride, Silicon, among others) to demanding tolerance and surface requirements.
• Lead complex work holding and machining strategies for low-volume, high-precision parts, independently set up and operate 3, 4 & 5-axis CNC vertical milling centers; select tooling, offsets, and fixturing to achieve required tolerances.
• Load, edit, and manage CNC programs; support program prove-out, revision control, and safe implementation of engineering changes
• Troubleshoot machining issues and implement corrective actions.
• Handle and clean optical components using established contamination-control practices; coach others on safe handling requirements.
• Own and enforce a clean and orderly work environment by following cleaning schedules, 5S practices, and inventory control.
• Perform maintenance and preventative maintenance on equipment and tooling; identify root causes and partner with maintenance/engineering to prevent recurrence.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s Degree in Machining Technologies (or similar) strongly preferred.6+ years demonstrated CNC Machining experience/competency. Experience in optics or ultra-precision manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Advanced math skills, including trigonometry and tolerance stack-up with ability to apply to complex setups, with ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability to troubleshoot equipment/process issues and drive to resolution.
• Proficiency with Fanuc and/or Siemens controls; able to edit programs at the control and support program prove-out; basic knowledge of GIBBS and/or Mastercam.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing practices with a strong commitment to safety and quality.
• Highly organized and detail oriented with strong ownership, accountability, and follow-through
• Strong computer skills: ability to use manufacturing systems (e.g., ERP/MRP) and CAM/viewer tools as required.
• Collaborative team player with a focus on problem-solving and ability to communicate with, influence and mentor others.
• Driven to achieve with the ability to take initiative, be resilient and flexible with shifting priorities.
• 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.

Compensation

Employee Type: Hourly

Currency: USD

Salary Minimum: 75,000

Salary Maximum: 100,000

Incentive: No

Disclaimer:Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 [phone].