Diamond Turning Machine Operator Technician

Diamond Turning Machine Operator Technician

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Diamond Turning Machine Operator Technician to join our advanced manufacturing team. In this role, you will set up, program, and operate single-point diamond turning (SPDT) equipment. You will produce sub-micron level tolerance optical components and high-precision mechanical assemblies used in aerospace and defense. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in CNC machining, ultra-precision metrology, and standard optical blueprint interpretation.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Set up and operate multi-axis ultra-precision diamond turning lathes to fabricate complex optical surfaces (aspheric, diffractive, off-axis).
• CNC Programming: Read, interpret, and make minor edits to CNC programs directly on machine controllers.
• Quality Metrology: Perform critical post-process inspections using advanced metrology equipment like interferometers, profilometers, and microscopes.
• Process Optimization: Monitor tool wear, adjust feeds and speeds, and execute optical alignment adjustments to optimize part quality.
• Maintenance & Safety: Conduct routine preventative maintenance on fluid/air systems and maintain strict compliance with ISO 9001 quality standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent; technical certification or associate degree in precision machining is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of CNC machining experience; direct experience in single-point diamond turning or precision optics fabrication is highly valued.
• Technical Skills:
• Proven capability to interpret engineering blueprints, GD&T symbols, and complex technical drawings.
• Solid understanding of basic algebra and geometry for calculating machine angles and part proportions.
• Familiarity with micro-inch tolerances and precise part handling techniques.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Software: Experience with specific diamond turning controller programs (e.g., Precitech or Moore Nanotech software systems).
• Materials: Experience machining varied substrates including crystalline materials (Germanium, Silicon), and non-ferrous metals (Aluminum).
• Mindset: Strong problem-solving abilities and exceptional attention to detail.

For California, the salary range for this position is: $27.90 - $37.61 per hour. Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.