Optics Technician - Blocking & Etching

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

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Paid time off

Competitive compensation

Job summary

AMETEK, Inc. in Middlefield, CT, seeks an Optics Technician for Blocking & Etching to prepare, block, and etch optical elements to exact specs, ensuring safety and quality in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role requires hands-on experience with optical manufacturing, ability to read technical drawings, and strong manual dexterity. Applicants should be adaptable, detail-oriented, and capable of lifting up to 70 lbs while complying with safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 0–3 years hands-on optical manufacturing experience.
• Understand optical principles, lens materials, and etching/blocking processes.
• Strong manual dexterity, patience, and attention to detail.
• Able to read complex technical drawings and specifications.
• Team player with problem-solving focus and adaptability.
• Organized, conscientious, and able to stay focused.
• Computer skills for data entry, documentation, and communication.
• Able to lift up to 70 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Install, adjust, and operate blocking and etching machines for various lens types.
• Block and etch lenses or blocks per specifications and quality standards.
• Inspect finished work for dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain blocking and etching equipment.
• Record production data and deviations for quality control.
• Collaborate with optical techs, QA, and production to resolve issues.
• Follow safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and address equipment or process issues.

Skills

High School Diploma

Optical manufacturing

Reading blueprints

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Initiative & flexibility

Organization

Data entry/Documentation

Safety awareness

Education

Technical/vocational machining or optics program

Job description

Job Title: Optics Technician - Blocking & Etching

Location: Middlefield, CT, US, 06455

Business Unit: Zygo

Posting Date: Oct 15, 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 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 $7.5billion.

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 22,000colleagues, in 35countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK isacomponent of the S&P 500. 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].