Optical Fabricator II

Zohorecruit; Pleasant Hill (CA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Optics in Pleasant Hill, CA seeks an Optical Fabricator to produce precision optics with CNC machining and polishing. You will set up and operate LOH and Satisloh centers, interpret blueprints, and ensure laser-quality finishes to tight tolerances.

The role requires hands-on polishing, metrology expertise, and the ability to work independently while maintaining high quality and safety standards in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 2 or more years of Optical CNC machining or equivalent experience.
• 2 or more Years of conventional polishing experience.
• Knowledge of optical lens metrology and measurement equipment.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Operate and setup optical machining centers.
• Independently program and run a variety of machines, such as LOH and Satisloh, generating, polishing, and centering machines.
• Perform grinding and polishing to a high standard using conventional methods.
• Operate core drill, diamond saws, and surfacing mill.
• Operate inspection equipment such as microscope, micrometers, height gages, Vernier calipers, interferometer, and radius bench.
• Ability to read and understand both optical and traditional blueprints.
• Accurately finish spherical and plano laser quality optical elements up to 1/20th wave.
• Perform cleaning and cosmetic inspection of finished optics according to customer requirements.

Skills

Optical CNC machining

Polishing

Blueprint reading

Metrology equipment knowledge

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

AA/BA/BS degree desirable

Vocational training in manufacturing

Tools

LOH machines

Satisloh machines

Job description

Pleasant Hill, U.S.A | Posted on 10/24/2025

An Optical Fabricator is a skilled technician who creates precision optics/tooling by utilizing machines, polishing tools, and associated metrology equipment.

• Operate and setup optical machining centers.
• Independently program and run a variety of machines, such as LOH and Satisloh, generating, polishing, and centering machines.
• Perform grinding and polishing to a high standard using conventional methods.
• Operate core drill, diamond saws, and surfacing mill.
• Operate inspection equipment such as microscope, micrometers, height gages, Vernier calipers, interferometer, and radius bench.
• Ability to read and understand both optical and traditional blueprints.
• Accurately finish spherical and plano laser quality optical elements up to 1/20th wave.
• Perform cleaning and cosmetic inspection of finished optics according to customer requirements.

Requirements

• 2 or more years of Optical CNC machining or equivalent experience.
• 2 or more Years of conventional polishing experience.
• Knowledge of optical lens metrology and measurement equipment.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to follow directions.
• Independent work habits.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• An AA or BA / BS degree is desirable, as is additional vocational training in manufacturing, materials science, machining or equivalent.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to fingers, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Lift up to 25lbs
• The job may at times involve prolong periods of sitting/standing.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. May involve periods of magnified inspection for quality control.
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp.
• The employee is frequently required to use the computer.
• May involve the use of oils and solvents.
• The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and manufacturing fumes.
• May work at different workstations as production needs require, or shifts from one station to another, during the production process.

Applied Optics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Aff irmative Action Employer. Applied Optics gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws (Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled).