Lead Diamond Turning Technician

Gooch & Housego PLC; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Gooch & Housego PLC in Tampa, FL seeks a Lead Diamond Turning Technician to set up, program, and optimize Precitech diamond turning equipment for high-precision optical components. You will interpret engineering drawings, drive process improvements, and mentor technicians while ensuring quality and throughput.

The role requires hands-on experience with Precitech systems, strong metrology skills, and a proven track record in ultra-precision manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years hands-on diamond turning experience in a precision environment.
• Experience setting up and operating Precitech 3-axis/4-axis systems.
• Experience with DiffSys and diamond turning machine programming.
• Experience manufacturing high-precision optical components or related tooling.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and optimize diamond turning equipment to manufacture high-precision optical components.
• Develop and optimize diamond turning processes; troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues.
• Perform precision metrology using interferometers and profilometers; ensure dimensional accuracy per specs.
• Provide guidance and training to technicians and operators; support production priorities.

Skills

Diamond turning

Precitech equipment

DiffSys programming

Metrology & testing

Engineering drawings interpretation

Root-cause analysis

Process optimization

Team leadership

Tools

Precitech equipment control

DiffSys software

Job description

Job: Lead Diamond Turning Technician
Location: Tampa, FL

_____________________________________________________________________________________

About Us

G&H is a world leader in optical design, testing, and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H partners with customers to deliver advanced optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster, Somerset, UK, with primary operations across the United States and Europe, G&H is recognized for its expertise in acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optic technologies. We serve leading OEMs in aerospace & defense, life sciences, and industrial markets, with a legacy of innovation spanning more than 75 years.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Diamond Turning Technician to join our team in Tampa, FL and support the manufacture of high-precision optical components. This is a highly technical, hands-on role combining advanced diamond turning machine setup and operation with process optimization, troubleshooting, precision metrology, and technical leadership. The Lead Diamond Turning Technician will serve as a key technical resource, helping establish and strengthen diamond turning capability while driving quality, yield, throughput, and operational performance. The successful candidate will bring strong hands-on diamond turning expertise and the ability to solve complex technical problems, support process development and continuous improvement, and help build capability across the team.

Key Responsibilities

Diamond Turning Operations

• Set up, operate, program, and optimize Precitech 3-axis and 4-axis diamond turning equipment to manufacture high-precision optical components and tooling.
• Produce spherical, aspheric, and freeform optical surfaces, including nickel-plated mold inserts, in accordance with engineering and customer specifications.
• Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, process documentation, and work instructions to execute complex manufacturing requirements.

Process & Technical Support

• Utilize DiffSys and machine programming tools to develop, troubleshoot, and optimize diamond turning processes.
• Serve as a technical resource for diamond turning operations, supporting root-cause analysis and resolution of complex manufacturing issues.
• Drive continuous improvement activities focused on yield, quality, throughput, process capability, and machine utilization.

Metrology & Quality

• Perform and verify precision measurements using interferometers, profilometers, white-light interferometers, and other optical metrology equipment.
• Inspect optical components against engineering requirements, MIL-PRF-13830B, ISO 10110, and applicable internal quality standards.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, process, and quality records to support traceability and continuous improvement.

Team & Operational Support

• Provide hands-on technical guidance, training, and mentoring to technicians and operators on equipment, processes, and best practices.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and efficient work environment while complying with all applicable safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Support production priorities and business requirements, including schedule changes and overtime when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on diamond turning experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and operating Precitech 3-axis and/or 4-axis diamond turning equipment.
• Experience with DiffSys and diamond turning machine programming.
• Experience manufacturing high-precision optical components, tooling, or comparable ultra-precision products.
• Strong precision metrology experience using interferometers, profilometers, white-light interferometers, or similar measurement systems.
• Working knowledge of optical drawings, specifications, tolerances, and manufacturing documentation.
• Knowledge of applicable optical quality standards, including MIL-PRF-13830B and ISO 10110.
• Strong technical troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and support changing production requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, quality orientation, communication, organizational, and computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience manufacturing freeform optics and other complex optical geometries.
• Experience with nickel-plated mold inserts, mold tooling, or related optical tooling applications.
• Experience supporting process development, optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prior experience training or mentoring technicians or operators.

Why Join G&H?

At G&H, you'll work alongside industry experts developing advanced optical technologies used in some of the world's most demanding applications. We offer a collaborative environment where innovation, technical expertise, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement are highly valued.

Additional Notes

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required for the role. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities to meet business needs.

G&H is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Employment with G&H may be subject to U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR requirements. Candidates may be required to provide information necessary to determine compliance with applicable export control regulations.