Ultra-Precision SPDT Machinist, Infrared Optics

Job Description

Job Description

Ultra-Precision SPDT Machinist, Infrared Optics

Integrated Talent Strategies (ITS) is hiring a Diamond Turning professional to support a Boulder, CO area optics manufacturer. You’ll run single-point diamond turning (SPDT) equipment to produce components across low- to high-volume workflows.

A day in the life

You start your shift in a facility built around ultra-precision—R&D, Operations, and Production all under one roof. After reviewing complex prints for tolerances on diameter, sag, and center thickness, you select and inspect your diamond tool, set offsets, and bring a state-of-the-art optical lathe online. You understand how feed rate, depth of cut, and spindle speed change the result across different materials. You verify metrology—calibrating the interferometer and the surface profilometer (e.g., Form Talysurf)—before cutting infrared optical lenses and metal mirrors to exacting form and roughness.

Between runs, you clean and visually inspect diamond-turned parts to ISO and MIL standards, confirm dimensions with micrometers, optical comparators, dial indicators, and drop gauges, and capture results in Windows-based tools (Excel). When needed, you adjust programs, modify tool paths in DiffSys or similar, and refine G&M code or call programs to keep the process in control. You collaborate with teammates, share findings, and maintain single-point diamond tools for peak performance.

What you’ll handle

• Operate, set up, and maintain SPDT/optical lathe equipment for precision manufacturing of infrared lenses and metal mirrors
• Read/interpret complex drawings; hold tight tolerances for diameter, sag, and center thickness
• Complete mechanical inspections with micrometers, optical comparators, dial indicators, and drop gauges
• Calibrate and operate interferometers and surface profilometers (e.g., Form Talysurf) to assess form error and surface roughness
• Clean and visually inspect parts to ISO and MIL standards
• Understand and optimize feed rate, depth of cut, and spindle speed for diverse materials
• Inspect, handle, and maintain single-point diamond tools; apply correct geometries and usage
• Program, adjust, and troubleshoot using G&M code; modify tool paths (DiffSys or similar); use call programs

What you bring

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Approximately 7 years of optics diamond turning or equivalent manufacturing experience preferred
• Solid math foundation; geometry and trigonometry knowledge
• Team-oriented with strong communication and interpersonal skills
• CNC lathe experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Windows

Compensation & benefits

• Pay range: $30–$40 per hour, depending on experience
• Benefits start on day 1: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, paid Maternity/Paternity leave, Tuition Reimbursement, Short- and Long-term Disability
• Relocation package available based on location

About the Boulder facility

The Boulder, Colorado site houses Research & Development, Operations, Production, and more. It specializes in ultra-precision optical components, optical thin film coatings, and optical sub-assemblies used in lasers, materials processing, instrumentation, life sciences, avionics, and defense. On-site strengths include robust design/engineering resources, comprehensive optical fabrication and coating capabilities, advanced assembly, and an extensive in-house metrology lab.