Crystal Optics Fabrication Technician

G&H (Gooch & Housego); Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Gooch & Housego is seeking a Crystal Optics Fabrication Technician to fabricate, inspect, and refine crystal optic components for advanced photonics applications. You will work in a high-mix, low-volume setting, handling slicing, dicing, lapping, grinding, and polishing to meet tight dimensional and cosmetic requirements.

The role emphasizes careful attention to detail, adherence to cleanroom and safety protocols, and collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training is a plus.
• 3–5 years of experience in crystal optics fabrication or related field.
• Experience with slicing, dicing, lapping, grinding, polishing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor crystal optics fabrication equipment.
• Perform boule slicing, dicing, lapping, grinding, and polishing.
• Ensure equipment setups, changeovers, maintenance, and process adjustments meet specs.
• Document production activities and inspection results with traceability.

Skills

Crystal optics fabrication

Optical fabrication

Machining

Quality control

Reading blueprints

Education

High School Diploma

Technical training

Tools

CNC machines

Optical metrology

Precision measuring tools

Job description

ABOUT US

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.

Job Type

Full-time

Description

ABOUT US

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.

Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognized for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defense industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Crystal Optics Fabrication Technician fabricates, processes, and inspects precision crystal optic components used in advanced photonics and optical applications. Working in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment, this role performs precision fabrication across a variety of crystal materials, product configurations, specifications, and customer requirements using processes such as slicing, dicing, lapping, grinding, and polishing.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing production priorities while consistently meeting tight dimensional, surface, and cosmetic requirements. Candidates with experience in crystal optics, optical fabrication, precision manufacturing, machining, semiconductor or wafer processing, or other close‑tolerance environments are encouraged to apply; specialized training may be provided for qualified candidates.

What You'll Be Doing

PRECISION FABRICATION & EQUIPMENT

• Set up, operate, and monitor crystal optics fabrication equipment used to manufacture precision optical components.


• Perform boule slicing, dicing, lapping, grinding, and polishing across a variety of crystal materials and product configurations.


• Complete equipment setups, product changeovers, routine maintenance, and authorized machine or process adjustments.

QUALITY & INSPECTION

• Inspect in-process and completed components using precision measuring tools and optical metrology equipment.


• Read and follow blueprints, optical drawings, work orders, travelers, specifications, and process documentation.


• Maintain dimensional, surface, and cosmetic quality requirements and identify or escalation process, material, equipment, or quality issues.

DOCUMENTATION & PROCESS SUPPORT

• Accurately document production activities, inspection results, process information, and required traceability records.


• Handle delicate crystal and optical materials using appropriate handling, cleanliness, and contamination-control practices.


• Support process trials, prototype builds, new product introduction, and continuous improvement activities focused on quality, yield, cycle time, and consistency.

TEAMWORK & SAFETY

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to support productivity, quality, and delivery requirements.


• Adapt to changing production priorities and work effectively across multiple products and processes in a high-mix, low-volume environment.


• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment.

What You Bring

• High School Diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training is a plus.


• 3-5 years of experience preferred in crystal optics fabrication, optical fabrication, precision manufacturing, machining, semiconductor or wafer processing, or a related technical field.


• Experience with slicing, dicing, lapping, grinding, polishing, or other precision material-removal processes preferred.


• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and ability to maintain close tolerances.


• Ability to use precision measuring tools and read technical drawings and manufacturing documentation.


• Knowledge of optical glass, crystal, ceramic, wafer, or other brittle precision materials is a plus.


• Experience with CNC, conventional, or automated fabrication equipment is desirable.


• Ability to recognize process variation, defects, or equipment issues and take appropriate action.


• Ability to learn multiple manufacturing processes, work independently after training, and adapt to changing priorities in a high-mix, low-volume environment.


• Strong communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and commitment to documented quality and manufacturing processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.


• Comfortable performing repetitive tasks and monitoring multiple machines.


• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with machinery and moderate to loud noise levels.


• Must be able to wear required PPE.

NOTES

If you’re ready to make a real impact in a world‑class photonics environment, we’d love to hear from you.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

• US Applicants: In the instance that the position will involve having access to items and technical data that may be controlled under U.S. export laws and regulations (\\"U.S. Export Control Laws\\"), including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations (\\"EAR\\") and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (\\"ITAR\\"). To comply with the U.S. Export Control Laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates