Optical Technician

PDS Tech, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K plan

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Optical Technician to support an aerospace partner in Woodland Hills, California.

In this hands-on role, you will perform precision polishing, inspect angles, flatness, and surface finishes, and ensure quality in a high-precision manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in precision optics or glass polishing
• Experience in a precision optics shop environment
• Experience using autocollimators, interferometers, and digital indicators
• Ability to follow detailed manufacturing instructions and perform standard shop calculations
• Excellent visual acuity and strong quality control mindset
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and ERP systems

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate precision polishing machines for production glass polishing
• Perform super polishing of glass surfaces to meet accuracy specs
• Select, mount, and align attachments and tooling
• Interpret engineering specs and translate requirements into manufacturing steps
• Use precision measurement equipment (autocollimators, interferometers, digital indicators)
• Monitor and verify product quality using SPC or other QC procedures
• Work safely around large manufacturing equipment while maintaining quality
• Stand and move throughout the manufacturing area as required
• Follow established manufacturing instructions with accuracy and consistency
• Collaborate with team members to meet production and quality goals

Skills

Precision polishing

Quality control

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Autocollimators

Interferometers

Digital indicators

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

Precision Meets Innovation: Build the Optics Behind Next-Generation Aerospace Technology

Optical Technician
PDS Tech Commercial | Partnering with a Leader in the Aviation & Aerospace Industry

Location: Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Job Type: Full-Time, Contract
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 9/80 Schedule
Pay Rate: $49.74 per hour

Bring Precision to Technology That Makes an Impact

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Optical Technician to support our industry-leading aerospace partner in Woodland Hills, California.

In this hands-on manufacturing role, you'll use your precision polishing expertise to help produce high-quality optical components built to exacting engineering standards. From super polishing glass surfaces to inspecting angles, flatness, and surface finishes, your work will directly contribute to the quality and performance of sophisticated aerospace and mission-critical systems.

If you're detail-oriented, take pride in precision craftsmanship, and thrive in a high-quality manufacturing environment, this is an opportunity to put your skills to work on technology that matters.

What You'll Do

As an Optical Technician, you'll be responsible for precision optical manufacturing and quality activities, including:

• Set up and operate a variety of precision polishing machines to perform production glass polishing to close tolerances.

• Perform super polishing of glass surfaces to meet strict requirements for angles, flatness, surface finish, and other specifications.

• Select, mount, and align specialized attachments and standard tooling.

• Interpret engineering specifications and translate requirements into precise manufacturing operations.

• Use precision measurement equipment, including autocollimators, interferometers, and digital indicators.

• Perform standard shop calculations to support production requirements.

• Monitor and verify product quality using established statistical process or other quality-control procedures.

• Work safely around large manufacturing equipment while maintaining a strong focus on quality.

• Spend significant portions of the workday standing and moving throughout the manufacturing area.

• Follow established manufacturing instructions and processes with a high degree of accuracy and consistency.

• Collaborate with team members to meet production, quality, and operational objectives.

Required Qualifications

We're looking for a skilled technician who brings precision, reliability, and a commitment to producing exceptional work.

Candidates should have:

• High school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience sufficient to successfully perform the position.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

• Experience working in a precision glass polishing or optics shop environment.

• Experience using hand tools and precision measurement equipment such as autocollimators, interferometers, and digital indicators.

• Ability to follow detailed instructions precisely within a manufacturing environment.

• Excellent visual acuity, particularly when working under a microscope.

• Basic math proficiency and the ability to perform standard shop calculations.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality control.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

• Ability to work safely around large machinery.

• Ability to spend a significant portion of the workday standing and moving as required by the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates who bring the following experience will stand out:

• Experience maintaining and setting up polishing tables to meet surface finishing and flatness requirements.

• Ability to participate in team investigations involving process development and improvement.

• Familiarity with Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies.

• Familiarity with LEAN manufacturing principles.

Why Join Us?

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect skilled professionals with opportunities to contribute to challenging programs and advanced technologies across the aerospace industry.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Earn a competitive rate of $49.74 per hour.

• Work a 9/80 schedule, supporting greater flexibility in your workweek.

• Apply your specialized optical polishing and measurement skills in a sophisticated manufacturing environment.

• Work with advanced precision equipment and demanding optical specifications.

• Collaborate with talented professionals who value quality, precision, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Strengthen your experience in aerospace and mission-critical manufacturing.

• Contribute to products where exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail are essential to performance.

• Expand your technical skills while supporting programs at the forefront of aerospace technology.

Your craftsmanship matters here. Every polished surface, precise measurement, and quality check contributes to technology designed to perform when precision is non-negotiable.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details: $49.74 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• short-term disability
• additional voluntary benefits
• EAP program
• commuter benefits
• and a 401K plan

In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

• Paid Sick Leave
• any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law
• Holiday pay where applicable

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.