Diamond Turning Programmer/Machinist

SureFire LLC•Fountain Valley, CA

1d•$115,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Diamond Turning Programmer/Machinist within the Precision Manufacturing team, you will program, set up, operate, and optimize ultra-precision machining equipment used to manufacture advanced optical and optomechanical components. This role spans CNC programming, machine setup, process development, tooling optimization, and production support, bridging hands-on machining activities with engineering requirements to achieve demanding surface finish, form accuracy, and dimensional tolerances. Working closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams, you will develop and refine machining processes, troubleshoot production challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to ensure the consistent production of high-quality components. Collaborating across cross-functional teams, you will provide technical expertise to solve complex manufacturing challenges and support the successful production of precision optical components.

Requirements

2+ years of experience setting up, programming, and operating diamond turning, ultra-precision machining, or CNC machining equipment.
Demonstrated experience generating, modifying, validating, and executing machining programs and tool paths from engineering models, drawings, and design data.
Experience establishing machine setups, tooling, work offsets, coordinate systems, and process parameters to maintain machining accuracy and repeatability.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, manufacturing documentation, GD&T requirements, dimensional tolerances, and optical specifications.
Experience using precision inspection and metrology equipment to verify dimensional, form, and surface finish requirements.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to machining processes, tooling, programming, and production challenges.
Working knowledge of cutting tools, work-holding, fixturing, machine setup, and ultra-precision manufacturing fundamentals.
Strong organizational, communication, and technical documentation skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to quality, safety, continuous improvement, and precision manufacturing excellence.
Must be proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

Nice To Haves

Experience operating ultra-precision diamond turning equipment, including Precitech Nanoform X or similar platforms.
Experience with CAD/CAM and optical manufacturing software such as Diffsys, Rhino, or similar tool path generation software.
Experience manufacturing optical, optomechanical, or other ultra-precision components.
Familiarity with spherical, aspheric, and freeform optical surfaces, including Fast Tool Servo (FTS) and Slow Tool Servo (STS) machining processes.
Experience machining optical materials such as aluminum, copper, brass, nickel-phosphorus plated components, acrylic (PMMA), polycarbonate, and other ultra-precision materials used in optical manufacturing.
Familiarity with optical metrology techniques including interferometry, profilometry, surface roughness measurement, and form analysis.
Knowledge of drafting programs is a plus.
Technical certification, vocational training, apprenticeship, or associate degree in Precision Machining, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Technology, or a related field is preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant ultra-precision machining experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate ultra-precision diamond turning equipment to manufacture precision optical and optomechanical components.
Install and qualify diamond cutting tools, precision fixtures, vacuum chucks, and work-holding systems.
Establish and verify machine coordinate systems, tool offsets, and part alignment.
Perform machine setup, prove-out, first-article verification, and production support activities.
Monitor machining operations and adjust feeds, speeds, tooling, compensation, and process parameters to achieve required dimensional tolerances, form accuracy, and surface finish requirements.
Develop and optimize machining strategies for spherical, aspheric, and freeform optical surfaces to improve quality, repeatability, efficiency, and cycle time.
Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to develop, qualify, validate, and improve machining processes for new and existing products.
Support prototype builds, new product introduction efforts, and transition of products from development into production.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, optical prescriptions, manufacturing instructions, and technical documentation.
Perform first-article, in-process, and final inspections using precision metrology and measurement equipment.
Verify product conformance to dimensional, surface finish, and quality requirements; document inspection results and nonconforming conditions.
Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, surface finish, form accuracy, and process-related issues and implement corrective actions.
Document machining setups, process changes, inspection results, and manufacturing data in accordance with company procedures.
Recommend and implement continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling, fixturing, machine performance, process capability, throughput, yield, and scrap reduction.
Maintain machine cleanliness, environmental controls, and safe operating practices required for ultra-precision manufacturing.
Maintain good attendance and punctuality.
Maintain a positive and respectful attitude; cooperate with co-workers, management, internal and external customers, etc.
Execute daily process improvement using lean manufacturing methodologies.
Maintain work area by the use of 6S principles.
Work safely at all times and report any unsafe conditions or injuries to your supervisor or manager immediately.
Other duties, as assigned.