Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00

Sr Diamond Turning Technician / Engineer

Attractive COL Northeast location 80-120k+package

Our Client: A unique corporate culture combined with a dynamic work environment.

For more than 30 years our client has been pushing the boundaries of innovation in optical technology. Our client builds lenses, components and assemblies that power cutting-edge technologies in aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics. Their optical products and technology help shape breakthroughs that benefit humanity and protect our freedom. Our client offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive, and individual strengths and interests are encouraged. Our client is looking for motivated individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to impactful projects.

Job Summary and Essential Job Duties:

We are seeking an exceptional Sr Diamond Turning Technician or Engineer to lead and advance our client’s Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) capabilities in a world-class ultra-precision manufacturing environment including mentoring, leading, training junior technicians. This is a unique opportunity for a highly skilled professional to push the boundaries of precision machining, optical surface generation, and machine performance optimization.

In this role, you will serve as a technical leader at the intersection of ultra-precision machining, process engineering, tooling innovation, motion control optimization, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Your expertise will directly influence the production of optically functional components requiring nanometer-level surface finishes and extreme dimensional accuracy.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver with extensive diamond turning experience and a passion for continuous improvement. You will drive process innovation, develop advanced tooling and fixturing solutions, optimize machine performance, and mentor the next generation of ultra-precision manufacturing professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

Ultra-Precision Machining & Process Development:

  • Lead the setup, programming, and operation of Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) equipment used to manufacture ultra-precision optical and high-value components.
  • Develop, validate, and continuously improve machining processes capable of achieving demanding form accuracy and surface finish specifications.
  • Create and optimize CNC programs and toolpaths using Mastercam and Diffsys software platforms.
  • Establish best practices that improve process capability, consistency, and manufacturing efficiency.

Diamond Tooling & Fixturing Innovation:

  • Design and specify custom diamond cutting tools, including geometry selection, edge preparation, and application-specific optimization.
  • Develop advanced fixturing and in process component mounting solutions that maximize repeatability, alignment accuracy, and part stability.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams and external suppliers to enhance tooling performance, reliability, and lifecycle management.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and techniques to expand manufacturing capabilities and improve production outcomes.

Machine Performance & Controls Optimization:

  • Apply a deep understanding of machine dynamics, including vibration control, spindle performance, thermal stability, and tool wear mechanisms.
  • Perform PID tuning and motion-control optimization to enhance machine responsiveness, stability, and surface quality.
  • Investigate process deviations through structured root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Drive machine capability improvements that translate into measurable gains in quality, throughput, and operational performance.

Technical Leadership & Continuous Improvement:

  • Partner closely with Quality, Metrology, Engineering, and Operations teams to ensure robust manufacturing processes and inspection alignment.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield enhancement, cycle-time reduction, and process capability growth.
  • Serve as a technical mentor and subject matter expert for other diamond turning technicians and manufacturing personnel.
  • Support strategic initiatives that strengthen the organization's competitive advantage in ultra-precision manufacturing.

Equipment Reliability, Documentation & Compliance:

  • Ensure preventive maintenance programs and machine condition assessments are completed to maintain peak equipment performance.
  • Maintain comprehensive process documentation, tooling records, non-conformance reports, and improvement plans.
  • Champion a culture of quality, safety, organization, and precision appropriate for advanced optical manufacturing environments.
  • Support compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Technical, vocational, or trade training in manufacturing, machining, materials science, engineering technology, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.

Experience:

  • 10+ years of diamond turning experience in an ultra-precision manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated expertise with Diffsys and Mastercam for CNC programming and advanced toolpath development.
  • Extensive experience designing, applying, and optimizing diamond tooling for optical machining applications.
  • Proven success in developing processes that meet exceptionally tight tolerance and surface finish requirements.
  • Experience working with IR materials, Zn, GE, CaFl and other conventional glass materials desired

Additional Skills & Expertise:

  • Advanced experience designing fixturing and in process mounting systems for precision and ultra-precision components.
  • Strong knowledge of machine motion-control systems, servo performance, and PID tuning.
  • Experience with process engineering, automation integration, and closed-loop compensation methodologies.
  • Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional attention to detail with a relentless focus on quality and continuous improvement.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills in a cross-functional engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in CNC machining, optical fabrication, metrology, and precision component inspection.
  • Experience supporting aerospace, defense, photonics, semiconductor, or advanced optics manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in a high-performance manufacturing environment.

Compensation & Benefits:

We provide a competitive compensation package based on experience, along with industry-leading benefits:

  • 25% Monthly Profit Sharing Bonus
  • Tuition Assistance for continuing education and professional development
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)

ITAR Requirement

This position is subject to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) requirements. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or lawful permanent residents eligible to access export-controlled information.


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