Crystal Optics Fabrication Technician

Gooch & Housego•Fremont, CA

About The Position

The Crystal Optics Fabrication Technician fabricates, processes, and inspects precision crystal optic components used in advanced photonics and optical applications. The role works in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment and performs precision fabrication across varied crystal materials, product configurations, specifications, and customer requirements. Processes include slicing, dicing, lapping, grinding, and polishing. The position suits someone with mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing production priorities while meeting dimensional, surface, and cosmetic requirements. Candidates with relevant experience in crystal optics, optical fabrication, precision manufacturing, machining, semiconductor or wafer processing, or similar close-tolerance work are encouraged to apply; specialized training may be provided for qualified candidates. The technician sets up, operates, and monitors fabrication equipment; completes equipment setups, product changeovers, routine maintenance, and authorized machine or process adjustments; and inspects components using precision measuring tools and optical metrology equipment. The role requires following technical drawings and manufacturing documentation, maintaining traceability records, handling delicate materials with appropriate cleanliness and contamination controls, and supporting process trials, prototype builds, new product introduction, and continuous improvement. The technician collaborates with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams and follows safety procedures while maintaining a clean, organized work environment. The position requires a high school diploma or GED. Technical or vocational training is a plus. Three to five years of related experience is preferred, as are experience with precision material-removal processes and knowledge of optical glass, crystal, ceramic, wafer, or other brittle precision materials. The role requires standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, performing repetitive tasks, monitoring multiple machines, working around machinery and moderate to loud noise, and wearing required PPE. G&H is a world leader in optical design, testing, and manufacturing, supplying optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. The company serves life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defense industries and has a history of quality and excellence spanning more than 75 years. The company states that it provides equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on protected grounds. The listed salary is $25–$30 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail, with the ability to maintain close tolerances.
Ability to use precision measuring tools and read technical drawings and manufacturing documentation.
Ability to recognize process variation, defects, or equipment issues and take appropriate action.
Ability to learn multiple manufacturing processes, work independently after training, and adapt to changing priorities in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and commitment to documented quality and manufacturing processes.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
Comfort performing repetitive tasks and monitoring multiple machines.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with machinery and moderate to loud noise levels.
Ability to wear required PPE.

Nice To Haves

Technical or vocational training.
Three to five years of experience in crystal optics fabrication, optical fabrication, precision manufacturing, machining, semiconductor or wafer processing, or a related technical field.
Experience with slicing, dicing, lapping, grinding, polishing, or other precision material-removal processes.
Knowledge of optical glass, crystal, ceramic, wafer, or other brittle precision materials.
Experience with CNC, conventional, or automated fabrication equipment.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and monitor crystal optics fabrication equipment used to manufacture precision optical components.
Perform boule slicing, dicing, lapping, grinding, and polishing across varied crystal materials and product configurations.
Complete equipment setups, product changeovers, routine maintenance, and authorized machine or process adjustments.
Inspect in-process and completed components using precision measuring tools and optical metrology equipment.
Read and follow blueprints, optical drawings, work orders, travelers, specifications, and process documentation.
Maintain dimensional, surface, and cosmetic quality requirements and identify or escalate process, material, equipment, or quality issues.
Document production activities, inspection results, process information, and required traceability records accurately.
Handle delicate crystal and optical materials using appropriate handling, cleanliness, and contamination-control practices.
Support process trials, prototype builds, new product introduction, and continuous improvement activities focused on quality, yield, cycle time, and consistency.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to support productivity, quality, and delivery requirements.
Adapt to changing production priorities and work across multiple products and processes in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
Undertake other reasonable and related tasks allocated by the line manager.