Diamond Turning Technician (SPDT Operator)

About The Role This hands-on production role involves setting up, programming, and operating single-point diamond turning (SPDT) machines to manufacture infrared optical components and metal optics for aerospace and defense applications. You'll produce flat, spherical, aspheric, off-axis, and freeform surfaces in infrared crystals and metals, inspecting and correcting processes to meet strict form and surface-finish requirements. Experienced technicians will have opportunities to contribute to tooling, fixturing, process development, and production methods. Senior technicians may also support complex jobs, train operators, and help establish manufacturing processes. What You'll Do Machine Setup & Tooling Set up machines, workholding, and tooling from start to finishCenter and secure parts using vacuum chucks or custom fixturesSet diamond tools at the correct center and height, perform test cuts, and make adjustmentsInspect diamond tool edges under a microscope, monitor tool wear, and coordinate replacement or re-lappingMaintain machine thermal stability and spindle balance for consistent surface finish Diamond Turning Operations Operate SPDT machines to produce flat, spherical, aspheric, off-axis, and freeform optical surfacesMachine infrared materials such as germanium, silicon, and zinc sulfide, plus aluminum, copper, and electroless nickel-plated substratesSelect tool geometry, feed rates, spindle speeds, and cutting depths to achieve required form and finishPerform freeform and non-rotationally symmetric machining using slow-tool-servo or fast-tool-servo methodsProduce off-axis segments using offset fixturing or servo cuttingControl coolant mist, chip removal, and thermal stability during extended machining runsDiagnose and correct chatter, tool marks, feed-pattern errors, mid-spatial errors, center defects, edge chipping, and burrs Programming & Form Correction Develop and edit part programs from engineering drawings, asphere coefficients, sag tables, and surface point dataUse DiffSys, NanoCAM, or comparable software to program machining operationsMeasure finished parts, calculate residual form errors, generate compensated tool paths, and re-cut surfaces to specDocument proven setups through setup sheets and work instructions for repeatable production Metrology & Quality Measure surface form using interferometers and contact or non-contact profilometersMeasure surface roughness using white-light interferometry and dimensions using precision gaugesInterpret power, irregularity, peak-to-valley, RMS, and roughness results against engineering drawingsRead and interpret optical drawings to ISO 10110 and MIL-PRF-13830B, including surface form, scratch-dig, clear aperture, center thickness, and wedgeClean, handle, and package finished optics without damaging optical surfacesRecord inspection results and promptly report nonconforming conditions Teamwork & Shop Operations Train newer operators and share technical knowledge with the teamMaintain production records, tool histories, and electronic manufacturing transactionsPerform routine machine maintenance involving air, oil, and filtration systemsHelp coordinate specialized machine servicingMaintain a clean, organized work area in line with 5S, quality-system, and safety requirements Additional Responsibilities For Senior Technicians Lead process development for new materials, geometries, and customer programs, including first-article runsDesign chucks, fixtures, and workholding methods for complex componentsQualify new diamond tools and tooling suppliersReview new components for manufacturability and help estimate machining time for quotationsServe as a technical resource for complex machining challengesHelp develop operator training programs What You Bring High school diploma or GED (technical-school training, apprenticeship, or associate degree in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field preferred)3+ years of hands-on single-point diamond turning experience, including machine setup, program editing, optical inspection, and troubleshootingExperience setting up and operating Precitech, Moore Nanotechnology, or comparable ultra-precision diamond turning machinesWorking knowledge of CNC program editing, machine coordinate systems, and tool-radius compensationExperience machining optical surfaces in infrared crystals, nonferrous metals, or both, to sub-micron form and nanometer-level surface-finish requirementsExperience centering diamond tools and interpreting interferometer or profilometer results to correct machining processesAbility to read and interpret optical drawings, mechanical drawings, specifications, and GD&TStrong mechanical aptitude, applied math skills, attention to detail, and sound judgmentAbility to work independently and collaboratively, communicate clearly, and follow standard work proceduresBasic proficiency with production software and standard computer applications for documentation and data entry Nice to Have 5+ years of diamond turning experienceSetup and programming experience with DiffSys, NanoCAM, NanoSMART, Mastercam, or comparable softwareExperience machining germanium, silicon, zinc selenide, zinc sulfide/Cleartran, or similar crystalline materialsExperience with aluminum, copper, brass, electroless nickel-plated substrates, mold inserts, mirrors, or other diamond-machinable metalsExperience producing aspheric, diffractive, off-axis, or freeform surfaces using slow-tool-servo or fast-tool-servo techniquesExperience with form-error compensation, tool-waviness compensation, or ductile-regime turning of germanium or siliconWorking knowledge of ISO 10110, MIL-PRF-13830B, controlled-environment manufacturing, and formal quality-management systemsExperience training operators or helping establish a new manufacturing area Working Conditions Regular on-site attendance in Keene, NHAbility to sit or stand for extended periods and safely lift or move items up to 40 pounds, with assistance when appropriateAbility to work around precision machinery, cutting fluids, cleaning solvents, compressed air, and fragile optical components while using required PPEAbility to perform close visual inspections and fine manual work with precision tools and optical componentsOccasional schedule flexibility or overtime may be required to support critical production or equipment needs Compensation & Employment Conditions Full-time, hourly, non-exempt positionCompensation is based on relevant diamond turning experience, programming ability, and metrology skillsApplicants must qualify as U.S. persons under applicable ITAR requirements because the position involves access to controlled technical data. This includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals granted asylum or refugee status.