Optics Technician - Blocking & Etching

AMETEK; Middlefield (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

AMETEK's Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT seeks an Optics Technician – Blocking & Etching to join our Middlefield Optics team. You will prepare, block, and etch optical elements to exact specs, ensuring quality and safety in a demanding manufacturing environment.

Ideal candidates have 0–3 years in optical manufacturing, a High School Diploma or GED, strong math skills, and the ability to read complex technical drawings. Lifting up to 70 lbs and team collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 0-3 years hands-on experience in optical manufacturing or related technical field.
• Strong understanding of optical principles and lens materials.
• Able to read and interpret complex technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player with problem-solving orientation.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 70 lbs and standing for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Install, adjust, and operate blocking and etching machines for various lens types.
• Block and etch lenses to prescribed specifications and quality standards.
• Inspect finished work for dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain blocking/etching equipment.
• Record production data and deviations for quality control.
• Collaborate with optics, QA, and production teams to resolve issues.

Skills

Optical manufacturing experience

Reading technical drawings

Manual dexterity

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Ability to lift up to 70 lbs

Initiative and adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical/vocational program in machining/optics

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 Optics Technician – Blocking & Etching to join our Middlefield Optics team.

As an Optics Technician – Blocking & Etching in Middlefield CT, you will be responsible for preparing, blocking, and etching optical elements (such as lenses or lens blocks) to precise specifications, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance with manufacturing standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, adjust, and operate blocking and etching machines for various lens types.
• Block and etch lenses or lens blocks according to prescribed specifications and quality standards.
• Inspect finished work for dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and adherence to specifications.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain etching and blocking equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Record production data, measurement results, and any deviations for quality control records.
• Work with optical technicians, quality control, and production teams to resolve issues and optimize workflow.
• Follow workplace safety protocols, sanitation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and address technical issues with equipment or processes.

Required Skills And Competencies

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 0-3 years of hands‑on work in optical manufacturing, lens production, or related technical fields.
• Understanding of optical principles, lens materials, and etching/blocking processes.
• Enjoys hands‑on work and takes pride in craftmanship.
• Solid mathematical aptitude.
• Ability to consistently read and interpret complex technical drawings, written specifications, and verbal instructions.
• Excellent manual dexterity, patience and persistence, and attention to detail to handle delicate optical components.
• Collaborative team player with a focus on problem‑solving.
• Ability to take initiative and to be flexible/adaptable with shifting priorities.
• Organized, conscientious and focused.
• Computer skills for data entry, documentation, and communication.
• Capable to lift and move up to 70 lbs. and standing for extended periods of time.
• Driven to achieve with a commitment to quality with a safety‑first mindset.
• Resilient, resourceful and responsive.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate of a technical or vocational program in machining, optics, or a related field.

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: 50,000
• Salary Maximum: 60,000
• 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.

AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.

AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers’ most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 counties, that grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual … … …

Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.

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].