Optical Lens Fabricator / CNC Machinist

Default Brand; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Acuity Polymers is seeking a skilled Optical Lens Fabricator / CNC Machinist to support precision contact lens and optical component manufacturing in New York. You will set up, program, operate, and troubleshoot high‑precision equipment to meet design specs and quality standards.

Ideal candidates have hands‑on experience with RGP contact lens production and a solid understanding of lens geometry, optical quality, and machining processes.

Qualifications

• Technical certificate, associate degree, or equivalent machining, manufacturing, or optical production experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating CNC machinery, optical lathes, diamond turning equipment, or similar precision manufacturing systems.
• Proficiency setting up, operating, and troubleshooting contact lens lathes, optical lathes, single‑point diamond turning equipment and CNC equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program/edit, and operate optical lathes, CNC equipment, and single‑point diamond turning machines to manufacture precision lenses and optical components.
• Machine base curves, front curves, peripheral curves, edge profiles, toric designs, and multifocal features per design specs.
• Interpret drawings and process instructions to determine machining and inspection requirements.
• Perform in‑process and final inspections using lensometers, profilometers, microscopes, radius gauges, and other optical metrology tools.
• Adjust machine parameters, tooling, offsets, feeds, and speeds to maintain accuracy and quality.

Skills

CNC machining

Optical lathes

Diamond turning

Reading drawings

Precision measurement

Documentation

Team communication

Education

Technical certificate or associate degree

Equivalent machining/optical production experience

Tools

CAM software

Mastercam

Precitech/Nanotech

G-code/M-code

Job description

HQ-NY
1667 Lake Avenue, Building 59, Suite 303
New York, NY 14615, USA

Acuity Polymers is seeking a skilled Optical Lens Fabricator / CNC Machinist to support the manufacturing of precision contact lenses and optical components. This position is responsible for setting up, programming, operating, and troubleshooting ultra-precision machining equipment while ensuring products meet design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with RGP contact lens manufacturing and a strong understanding of contact lens geometry, optical quality standards, and precision machining processes. This role reports to the VP of Operations and Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, program/edit, and operate optical lathes, CNC equipment, and single‑point diamond turning machines to manufacture precision contact lenses and optical components.
• Machine base curves, front curves, peripheral curves, edge profiles, toric designs, multifocal features, and other custom optical geometries according to design specifications.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and process instructions to determine machining and inspection requirements.
• Perform in‑process and final inspections using precision measuring equipment, including lensometers, profilometers, microscopes, radius gauges, thickness gauges, and other optical metrology tools.
• Adjust machine parameters, tooling, offsets, feeds, and speeds to maintain dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and production efficiency.
• Support polishing, edging, cleaning, inspection, packaging, and documentation activities as required.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of tooling, fixtures, and process improvements to support custom and production manufacturing.
• Document production activities, inspection results, nonconformances, and corrective actions in accordance with quality system requirements.
• Perform routine machine maintenance, calibration checks, and general equipment upkeep.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to resolve manufacturing issues and improve processes.
• Follow all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Technical certificate, associate degree, or equivalent machining, manufacturing, or optical production experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating CNC machinery, optical lathes, diamond turning equipment, or similar precision manufacturing systems.
• Proficiency setting up, operating, and troubleshooting contact lens lathes, optical lathes, single‑point diamond turning equipment and CNC equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and work instructions.
• Knowledge of machining fundamentals, tooling, fixturing, feeds and speeds, and process troubleshooting.
• Experience using precision measurement and inspection equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, mathematical skills, computer proficiency, and attention to detail.
• Ability to accurately document work and communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience manufacturing rigid gas permeable (RGP) or specialty contact lenses.
• Experience with CNC programming, G‑code, M‑code, CAM software, or machine control systems.
• Familiarity with optical manufacturing, diamond turning, lens design software, Mastercam, Precitech, Nanotech, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of contact lens materials, optical plastics, and specialty lens designs including scleral, toric, orthokeratology, and multifocal lenses.
• Experience in ISO, FDA‑regulated, medical device, ophthalmic, aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting prototype development, custom products, or high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing detailed precision work.
• Ability to handle small, delicate components and operate manufacturing equipment safely.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Flexibility to work overtime or adjusted schedules as needed to support production requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.