Optician - Precision Fabrication 2nd Shift

AMETEK Inc.; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Zygo is hiring an Optician for Precision Fabrication in Richmond, CA. This hands‑on role focuses on fabricating and finishing high‑tolerance optics for aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor and industrial markets.

You will collaborate with engineering, quality and optical metrology to ensure form, surface quality and on‑time delivery. Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, 6+ years in precision optical manufacturing, and experience with Optotech/Satisloh/Schneider/CNC.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree in manufacturing or optics preferred.
• 6+ years of hands‑on production manufacturing/operations in precision optical manufacturing (lapping/polishing and finishing high tolerance optics).
• Expert safe optics handling and cleaning practices for precision surfaces and coatings; interferometry and optical metrology experience preferred.
• Optotech, Satisloh, Schneider, CNC experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of surface quality/defect standards and how fabrication processes impact them; ability to improve process (yield/cycle time) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced optical fabrication processes for high‑tolerance components.
• Independently set up, operate, and troubleshoot optical fabrication equipment; optimize parameters.
• Lead day‑to‑day execution on assigned jobs with planning, engineering and management to meet quality and delivery.
• Interpret engineering drawings, travelers and specifications; ensure work is documented and traceable.
• Perform and/or support optical testing and metrology (interferometry); interpret results and suggest corrective actions.
• Mentor and train junior opticians in equipment setup, safe optics handling, and best practices.

Job description

Job Title: Optician - Precision Fabrication 2nd Shift

Location: Richmond, CA, US, 94806

Business Unit: Zygo

Posting Date: Oct 2, 2026

Job Description: At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting‑edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. We are seeking an onsite Optician – Precision Fabrication to join our Extreme Precision Optics team in Richmond, CA.

As an Optician – Precision Fabrication, you will be fabricating and finishing high‑tolerance optics that support demanding customer applications across aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, and industrial markets. This role is part of a hands‑on manufacturing environment where opticians partner closely with engineering, quality, and optical metrology to deliver components that meet stringent form, surface quality, and delivery requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform advanced optical fabrication processes (coring/sawing, generating, beveling, blocking, fine grinding, lapping, polishing and finishing) for high‑tolerance components.
• Independently set up, operate, and troubleshoot optical fabrication equipment; select tooling/consumables and optimize parameters to achieve form, surface quality and throughput targets.
• Lead day‑to‑day execution on assigned jobs; coordinate with planning, engineering and management to meet quality and on‑time delivery commitments.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, process travelers and specifications; ensure work is documented and traceable.
• Perform and/or support optical testing and metrology (e.g., interferometry); interpret results and recommend corrective actions.
• Mentor and train junior opticians in equipment setup, safe optics handling and best practices; provide technical guidance as needed.
• Maintain equipment, fixtures and tooling; perform preventive maintenance and support continuous improvement initiatives (yield, cycle time, safety and 5S).

R EQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree in manufacturing or optics preferred.
• 6+ years of hands‑on production manufacturing/operations in precision optical manufacturing (lapping/polishing and finishing high tolerance optics) is highly desired.
• Expert safe optics handling and cleaning practices appropriate for precision surfaces and coatings. Interferometry and optical metrology experience (setup, data interpretation, and feedback to process) and experience with test plate usage and advanced corrective polishing techniques preferred.
• Optotech, Satisloh, Schneider, CNC experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of surface quality/defect standards and how fabrication processes impact them, ability to improve process (yield/cycle time) preferred.
• Solid mathematical aptitude with ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings, written specifications, and verbal instructions.
• Excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail to handle delicate optical components.
• Collaborative team player with a focus on problem‑solving.
• Ability to take initiative, be resilient and flexible with shifting priorities.
• Organized, conscientious and focused
• Driven to achieve with a commitment to quality and a safety‑first mindset
• Computer skills for data entry, documentation, and communication
• Capable to lift and move up to 70 lbs. and standing for extended periods of time

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export‑controlled information and source code.

Compensation

Employee Type: Hourly

Currency: USD

Salary Minimum: 55,000

Salary Maximum: 75,000

Incentive: No

Disclaimer:Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 [phone].