Diamond Turning Technician – Infrared Optics

W3Global

Keene (NH)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 110,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

W3Global is seeking a hands-on Diamond Turning Technician in Keene, NH to set up, program, and operate SPDT machines for infrared optical components and metal optics used in aerospace and defense. You will produce flat, spherical, aspheric, off‑axis, and freeform surfaces, inspect processes, and drive continuous improvement in form and surface finish.

The role involves tooling development, process improvements, and training operators, with senior technicians supporting complex jobs and

Qualifications

3+ years of hands-on SPDT diamond turning experience, including machine setup, program editing, optical inspection, and troubleshooting.
Experience setting up and operating Precitech, Moore Nanotechnology, or comparable ultra‑precision diamond turning machines.
Working knowledge of CNC program editing, machine coordinate systems, and tool‑radius compensation.
Experience machining optical surfaces in infrared crystals, nonferrous metals, or both, to sub‑micron form and nanometer‑level surface‑finish requirements.
Experience centering diamond tools and interpreting interferometer or profilometer results to correct machining processes.
Ability to read and interpret optical drawings, mechanical drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
Strong mechanical aptitude, applied math skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, communicate clearly, and follow standard work procedures.
Basic proficiency with production software and standard computer applications for documentation and data entry

Responsibilities

Set up machines, workholding, and tooling from start to finish.
Center and secure parts using vacuum chucks or custom fixtures.
Set diamond tools at the correct center and height, perform test cuts, and make adjustments.
Inspect diamond tool edges under a microscope, monitor tool wear, and coordinate replacement or re‑lapping.
Maintain machine thermal stability and spindle balance for consistent surface finish.
Operate SPDT machines to produce flat, spherical, aspheric, off‑axis, and freeform optical surfaces.
Machine infrared materials such as germanium, silicon, and zinc sulfide, plus aluminum, copper, and electroless nickel‑plated substrates.
Select tool geometry, feed rates, spindle speeds, and cutting depths to achieve required form and finish.
Perform freeform and non‑rotationally symmetric machining using slow‑tool‑servo or fast‑tool‑servo methods.
Produce off‑axis segments using offset fixturing or servo cutting.
Control coolant mist, chip removal, and thermal stability during extended machining runs.
Diagnose and correct chatter, tool marks, feed‑pattern errors, mid‑spatial errors, center defects, edge chipping, and burrs.
Develop and edit part programs from engineering drawings, asphere coefficients, sag tables, and surface point data.
Use DiffSys, NanoCAM, or comparable software to program machining operations.
Measure finished parts, calculate residual form errors, generate compensated tool paths, and re‑cut surfaces to spec.
Document proven setups through setup sheets and work instructions for repeatable production.
Measure surface form using interferometers and contact or non‑contact profilometers.
Measure surface roughness using white‑light interferometry and dimensions using precision gauges.
Interpret power, irregularity, peak‑to‑valley, RMS, and roughness results against engineering drawings.
Read and interpret optical drawings to ISO 10110 and MIL‑PRF‑13830B, including surface form, scratch‑dig, clear aperture, center thickness, and wedge.
Clean, handle, and package finished optics without damaging optical surfaces.
Record inspection results and promptly report nonconforming conditions.
Train newer operators and share technical knowledge with the team.
Maintain production records, tool histories, and electronic manufacturing transactions.
Perform routine machine maintenance involving air, oil, and filtration systems.
Help coordinate specialized machine servicing.
Maintain a clean, organized work area in line with 5S, quality‑system, and safety requirements