Precision Optics Technician - Trainee

Zohorecruit; Pleasant Hill (CA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Applied Optics in Pleasant Hill, CA is seeking an Optics Fabricator/Technician Trainee. You will be trained to create precision optics/tooling using LOH and Satisloh machines, polishing, and metrology equipment. Read blueprints, perform inspections, and maintain quality during production.

Must be willing to relocate to Pleasant Hill, CA. The role emphasizes learning, teamwork, and continuous improvement with a path toward full-time fabrication work.

Qualifications

• AA/associate degree in engineering or related field is desirable.
• Read and interpret optical and traditional blueprints.
• Must be able to stand, lift up to 25 lbs, and perform fine manual tasks.

Responsibilities

• Independently run LOH and Satisloh machines to generate, polish, and center optics.
• Operate inspection equipment including microscope and precision gauges.
• Read optical and traditional blueprints and ensure conformance to specs.
• Clean and cosmetically inspect finished optics per customer requirements.

Skills

Follow directions

Independent work

Education

Associate degree in engineering/manufacturing/materials science (or equivalent)

AA in engineering/manufacturing/related field desirable

Tools

LOH machine

Satisloh machine

Microscope

Height gauges

Vernier calipers

Interferometer

Radius bench

Job description

Pleasant Hill, United States | Posted on 09/25/2026

Applied Optics is a family-owned precision optical component and assembly manufacturer, celebrating 48 years in the business. We offer stability and growth for employees and foster a supportive and collaborative team environment.

Our products are used in life-saving bio-medical devices, biotech instruments that advance science, semiconductor manufacturing, and other critical applications that improve life.

• Stable work schedule with 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
  
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance.
  
• 401 (k) with company match.
  
• 9 paid holidays.
  
• Paid time off (PTO).
  
• Quarterly performance bonus.
  
• Profit sharing plan.
  

We are looking for a quality-minded optics fabricator trainee who takes pride in providing outstanding products and services to our customers as a team, who loves learning new skills, and who has a continuous improvement mindset. Women, minorities, veterans, and new graduates are encouraged to apply.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Optics Fabricator/Technician Trainee – Job description

An Optics Fabricator/Technician Trainee is a skilled technician who will be trained to create precision optics/tooling by utilizing machines, polishing tools, and associated metrology equipment.

Essential Duties:

Will be trained in the following.

• Independently run a variety of machines, such as LOH and Satisloh, generating, polishing, and centering machines.
  
• Operate inspection equipment such as microscope, micrometers, height gages, Vernier calipers, interferometer, and radius bench.
  
• Read and understand both optical and traditional blueprints.
  
• Perform cleaning and cosmetic inspection of finished optics according to customer requirements.
  
• Associates in Engineering or equivalent.
  

Qualifications and Competencies:

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to follow directions.
  
• Independent work habits.
  

Education and Experience:

• An AA in engineering, manufacturing, materials science, machining, or equivalent is desirable.
  

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to fingers, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
  
• Lift up to 25lbs
  
• The job may at times involve prolonged periods of sitting/standing.
  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. May involve periods of magnified inspection for quality control.
  
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp.
  
• The employee is frequently required to use the computer.
  
• May involve the use of oils and solvents.
  
• The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and manufacturing fumes.
  
• May work at different workstations as production needs require, or shifts from one station to another, during the production process.
  

Applied Optics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Aff… (Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled).

Job Type:

Full-time

• 401(k)
  
• 401(k) matching
  
• Health insurance
  
• Health savings account
  
• Life insurance
  
• Paid time off
  
• Vision insurance
  

Compensation Package:

• Profit sharing
  
• Quarterly bonus
  

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
  
• Day shift
  
• Monday to Friday
  

Education:

• Associate (Required)
  
• Day Shift (Preferred)
  

Ability to Relocate:

• Pleasant Hill, CA 94523: Relocate before starting work (Required)