Optics Technician - Grinding (Trizact)

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

Job summary

Zygo, part of AMETEK, is seeking an Optics Technician specializing in grinding (TriZact) in Middlefield, CT. You will fabricate ultra-precision optical components to exact specs using grinding processes, ensuring high quality and adherence to engineering requirements.

Responsibilities include setting up the TriZact grinder, interpreting drawings, inspecting parts with precision instruments, and maintaining equipment. The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience with manual and NC lathes preferred.
• Proven experience operating optical grinding machines (TriZact).
• Knowledge of optics manufacturing processes and materials (glass, crystal).
• Reading blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings required.
• Strong precision measurement and quality inspection skills essential.
• Experience with CNC or manual machine tools and fixture design.
• Must be detail-oriented, safety-conscious and collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain the TriZact optical grinding machine to produce and finish optical parts.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and specs to determine dimensions and tolerances.
• Perform grinding operations to achieve specified tolerances and surface finishes.
• Inspect finished parts using precision instruments and verify conformance to specs.
• Monitor the grinding process and adjust machine settings for consistency and quality.
• Develop and machine basic fixtures or tooling as needed.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Follow safety procedures and quality systems, maintain production records.

Skills

manual lathe experience

NC lathe experience

TriZact grinding

reading blueprints

precision measurement

CNC or manual tooling

safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

TriZact grinding machine

Calipers / micrometers

Interferometers

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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 innovative solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.

As an Optics Technician - Grinding (Trizact) in Middlefield, CT you will be responsible for fabricating ultra-precision optical components to exact specifications using grinding and related machining processes, ensuring high quality, repeatability, and compliance with engineering requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, and maintain the TriZact optical grinding machine to produce and finish optical parts such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and job instructions to determine dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish requirements.
• Perform grinding operations using appropriate tooling and parameters to achieve specified tolerances, often in thousandths of an inch or less.
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, calipers, interferometers) and verify conformance to specifications.
• Monitor the grinding process, adjust machine settings, and make corrections to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.
• Develop and machine basic fixtures or tooling as required, with or without drawings.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting of the TriZact machine and related equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Follow all workplace safety procedures, machine operation guidelines, and quality management systems.
• Maintain accurate production records, including setup data, inspection results, and material usage.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience with manual and NC lathes.
• Proven experience operating optical grinding machines, particularly TriZact models.
• Strong knowledge of optics manufacturing processes and materials (e.g., glass, crystal, coated substrates).
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Skilled in precision measurement and quality inspection techniques.
• Ability to calculate dimensions, tolerances, and adjustments using mathematical and analytical skills.
• Experience with either CNC or manual machine tools, tooling selection, and fixture design.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and mechanical aptitude.
• Safety first, continuous improvement and high quality mindset.
• Collaborative team player with a focus on problem-solving and ability to communicate with, influence and mentor others.
• Driven to achieve with the ability to take initiative, be resilient and flexible with shifting priorities.
• Capable to lift and move up to 70 lbs. and standing for extended periods of time.

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.

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 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].