Diamond Turning Technician

Job Purpose

As a Single Point Diamond Turning Technician within the Fabrication Team, you will be responsible for the manufacture of precision infrared and visible optical components to exacting customer specifications. You will set, operate and optimise ultra precision diamond turning machinery to produce optical surfaces with high dimensional accuracy and exceptional surface finish requirements.

The role involves machining a variety of optical materials while maintaining micron and sub micron tolerances, carrying out dimensional and surface quality inspections, and ensuring all components conform to drawing, process and customer requirements.

You will be expected to take ownership of your work from machine setup and process preparation through to final inspection, maintaining the highest standards of quality, cleanliness, workmanship and traceability throughout the manufacturing process.

Key Responsibilities

Set, operate and optimise Single Point Diamond Turning machines to manufacture precision optical components.

Interpret engineering drawings, specifications and manufacturing documentation accurately.

Manufacture components to micron and sub micron dimensional tolerances and optical surface quality requirements.

Select and install appropriate tooling, fixtures and machine parameters for production activities.

Verify machine set up, tooling condition and process parameters prior to manufacture.

Produce first off components and conduct in process inspections to ensure process conformity.

Monitor machine performance and make appropriate process adjustments to maintain quality and repeatability.

Inspect finished components using precision metrology and measurement equipment.

Carry out optical surface inspections in accordance with applicable standards and customer requirements.

Identify defects, contamination, handling damage, scratches, chips or other non conformances and escalate where required.

Clean components using approved methods while maintaining strict optical cleanliness standards.

Complete process sheets, inspection records and production documentation accurately.

Maintain full product traceability throughout the manufacturing process.

Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions and approved manufacturing processes.

Understand and comply with TPM requirements and contribute to maintaining equipment in optimum condition.

Maintain a clean, organised and controlled working environment appropriate for precision optical manufacturing.

Handle delicate and high-value optical materials and components with care at all stages of manufacture and inspection.

Work effectively both independently and as part of a wider fabrication team.

Manage workload and priorities effectively to meet production schedules and delivery requirements.

Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, yield and repeatability.

Support Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing activities.

Report equipment issues, tooling concerns, quality problems and process abnormalities promptly.

Comply with all company health & safety, quality and environmental procedures.

***The responsibilities listed above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks to be performed. Additional duties are likely to be required as directed by the Department Manager.

Working Environment

The role is based within a precision optical fabrication environment where components may be small, delicate and high value. The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a controlled manufacturing environment and maintaining consistently high standards of cleanliness and housekeeping.

Due to the nature of the products, careful handling, attention to detail and adherence to documented processes are essential.

Key Relationships

You are to work closely with the department, passing on the necessary skills and providing assistance.

You will have close contact with your supervisor, expressing any concerns or issues that may arise.

Work with other employees within your department, showing respect, professionalism and consideration.

Physical Demands

Fabrication optical technicians have a responsibility to assist in the general running of the area; this may involve physical activities such as transporting optics and tooling between departments within the fabrication facility. Frequent lifting of weights in excess of 5kg may be required.

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to carry out each duty satisfactorily. Reasonable adjustments may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

These guidelines are provided to assist you in the performance of your role.

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Essential Skills & Experience

Proven experience setting and operating Single Point Diamond Turning or CNC Lathe machinery.

Experience manufacturing precision components to micron and sub micron tolerances.

Experience producing and achieving demanding surface finish requirements.

Ability to read and accurately interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

Experience using precision metrology and inspection equipment.

Good understanding of ultra precision machining principles and process control.

Experience working with controlled manufacturing documentation, SOPs and process sheets.

Understanding of TPM principles and preventative maintenance requirements.

High level of manual dexterity and hand eye coordination.

Excellent attention to detail.

Ability to work consistently with small, delicate and high value optical components.

Strong organisational and time management skills.

Ability to work independently and take ownership of work quality.

Strong commitment to quality, accuracy and right first time manufacturing.

Good understanding of health and safety within a manufacturing environment.

Desirable Skills & Experience

Experience machining infrared optical materials including germanium, silicon and Multi spectral zinc sulphide.

Experience within optical manufacturing or ultra precision engineering environments.

Experience with freeform or aspheric optical component manufacture.

Experience using interferometers, profilometers or advanced optical metrology equipment.

Experience working to ISO and DIN optical standards.

CNC programming experience related to ultra-precision machining equipment.

Understanding of optical form accuracy and surface roughness requirements.

Experience supporting process development and manufacturing improvements.

Knowledge of SPC, process capability and statistical quality techniques.

Experience contributing to Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Personal Attributes

Precision: Maintains exceptional accuracy while manufacturing and inspecting optical components.

Attention to Detail: Able to identify extremely small defects, dimensional variations and surface imperfections.

Dexterity: Confident handling small, delicate and high value optical components.

Accountability: Takes ownership of the quality and accuracy of their work.

Reliability: Consistently follows procedures and meets production requirements.

Problem Solving: Able to investigate process, tooling and quality issues and identify practical solutions.

Teamwork: Works effectively with colleagues across fabrication, quality, engineering and production.

Initiative: Works independently and recognises when additional support is required.

Discipline: Comfortable working within controlled processes, SOPs and documented procedures.

Continuous Improvement: Actively contributes ideas to improve quality, efficiency and repeatability.