Lead Diamond Turning Technician

Gooch & Housego Keene, a leader in precision photonics, seeks a Lead Diamond Turning Technician to manufacture high-accuracy optical components for aerospace, defense, industrial, and life science systems. In this role, you will set up, program, and operate diamond turning equipment, ensuring exceptional surface quality and tight tolerances. You will optimize machining processes, perform detailed inspections using advanced metrology, and troubleshoot issues to maintain high yield. Working closely with engineers and quality teams, you will support continuous improvement and mentor technicians in a collaborative, technically rigorous environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate diamond turning equipment to produce precision optical components to tight tolerances.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to define machining parameters and inspection requirements.
• Lead process optimization to improve surface quality, dimensional accuracy, and throughput.
• Perform detailed in-process and final inspections using precision metrology tools and documentation.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and implement corrective actions to maintain quality and yield.
• Mentor and train technicians on best practices, safety, and standard work procedures.
• Collaborate with engineers and quality teams on new product introduction and continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain equipment, tooling, and work areas to high standards of cleanliness, safety, and reliability.

Required Skills

• Diamond turning operations
• CNC lathe programming
• Optical manufacturing
• Precision metrology
• Surface roughness measurement
• Blueprint and spec interpretation
• Machine setup and optimization
• Process troubleshooting
• Quality inspection (GD&T)
• Cleanroom or controlled-environment practices