Optics Technician - Grinding (Trizact)

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

Job summary

Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, designs and manufactures advanced optical metrology systems and precision components. As an Optics Technician – Grinding (Trizact), you will fabricate ultra‑precision parts to tight specs using grinding and related machining processes.

You will read blueprints, set up the TriZact grinder, inspect parts with micrometers and interferometers, and document results. This role rewards careful problem-solving, teamwork, and a strong commitment to safety and quality.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating optical grinding machines, especially TriZact models.
• Knowledge of optics manufacturing processes and materials.
• Proficiency reading blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain the TriZact grinding machine to produce optical parts.
• Read engineering drawings to determine dimensions, tolerances and finishes.
• Perform grinding operations to achieve specified tolerances.
• Inspect finished parts with micrometers, calipers, and interferometers.
• Monitor and adjust the grinding process for consistency and efficiency.
• Develop basic fixtures or tooling as needed.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Follow safety procedures and quality management systems.
• Maintain production records and material usage.

Skills

Manual lathe

NC lathe

Optics grinding

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

CNC machines

Detail oriented

Safety minded

Team player

Lifting capability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

TriZact grinder

Micrometers

Calipers

Interferometers

Grinding tooling

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.

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 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.

For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.

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 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component 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].