About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) Technician to join our Fabrication Team, manufacturing high-precision infrared and visible optical components to exacting customer specifications.
In this role, you will set, operate and optimise ultra-precision diamond turning machinery to produce optical components with exceptional dimensional accuracy and surface finish requirements. Working to micron and sub-micron tolerances, you will manufacture complex optical surfaces while maintaining the highest standards of quality, cleanliness and workmanship.
Working with delicate, high-value optical materials, you will take ownership of components from machine setup and process preparation through to final inspection, ensuring all products meet drawing, process and customer requirements.
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 setup, 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 traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions and approved manufacturing processes.
- Understand and support Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) activities to ensure equipment reliability and performance.
- Maintain a clean, organised and controlled working environment appropriate for precision optical manufacturing.
- Handle delicate and high-value optical materials and components with care throughout manufacture and inspection.
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a wider fabrication team.
- Prioritise workload effectively to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
- Identify and support opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, yield and repeatability.
- Support Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
- Report equipment issues, tooling concerns, quality issues and process abnormalities promptly.
- Comply with all company Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental procedures.
Key Relationships
- Work closely with colleagues within the Fabrication Department to share knowledge, skills and best practice.
- Maintain regular communication with your Supervisor, raising concerns or issues promptly.
- Build positive working relationships across the business through a professional, respectful and collaborative approach.
Working Environment
This role is based within a precision optical fabrication environment where components are often small, delicate and high value. The successful candidate will be comfortable working within a controlled manufacturing environment and maintaining consistently high standards of cleanliness, accuracy and housekeeping.
Due to the nature of the products, strict adherence to documented manufacturing processes, careful handling of components and excellent attention to detail are essential.
Physical Requirements
The role involves supporting the day-to-day operation of the fabrication area, including moving optical components, tooling and materials between departments. Regular lifting of items in excess of 5kg may be required.
Reasonable adjustments may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience setting and operating Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) machinery or CNC Lathe equipment.
- Experience manufacturing precision components to micron and sub-micron tolerances.
- Experience achieving demanding optical surface finish requirements.
- Ability to read and accurately interpret engineering drawings and technical 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 Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles and preventative maintenance requirements.
- High level of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Excellent attention to detail and quality standards.
- Ability to work accurately 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 team-working skills.
- Commitment to quality, accuracy and right-first-time manufacturing.
- Good understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience machining infrared optical materials including Germanium, Silicon and Multispectral Zinc Sulphide (MSZnS).
- Previous experience within optical manufacturing or ultra-precision engineering environments.
- Experience manufacturing freeform or aspheric optical components.
- Experience using interferometers, profilometers or advanced optical metrology equipment.
- Experience working to ISO and DIN optical standards.
- CNC programming experience relating to ultra-precision machining equipment.
- Understanding of optical form accuracy, surface roughness and optical surface quality requirements.
- Experience supporting process development and manufacturing improvements.
- Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability and quality control techniques.
- Experience contributing to Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Shift allowance
- Performance bonus scheme
- Healthcare scheme
- On-site employee benefits
- Supportive team environment
- Opportunities for training and development
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a highly specialised optical manufacturing environment producing world-class infrared and visible optical components used in demanding commercial, industrial and defence applications. You will join a skilled and supportive team where precision, craftsmanship and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.
