Production Operator - Level 1

Northrop GrummanCharlotte, NC
$31,900 - $53,100Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking a Material and Production Operator – Level 1 to join their team in Charlotte, NC. This position is 100% onsite. SYNOPTICS, an organization within Northrop Grumman, is a leader in the growth, fabrication, and coating of crystalline materials used in laser systems. These crystals are used in products ranging from medical lasers to military laser systems. The Charlotte facility has over 60 years of experience in the laser industry and is known for providing high-quality products with timely deliveries. Within the facility, solid-state oxide and fluoride crystals are grown from a high-temperature melt, and SYNOPTICS has full optical fabrication capabilities for various plano and spherical geometries, serving the photonics and optics industry globally.

Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent and 0 years additional education and/or related experience.
  • Basic computer skills using Microsoft Excel and Word.
  • Effective communication skills with peers, engineering, and management are essential.
  • Ability to communicate in English, verbally and written, in a technical environment.
  • Manual dexterity, strong work ethic, ability to multitask, positive attitude, and willingness to learn.
  • Good visual acuity, strong basic math skills, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to use measurement equipment, work in metric or English units, read detailed instructions, interpret engineering prints, maintain written records, and keep an organized work environment using 5S principles.

Nice To Haves

  • Associate degree or two-year technical degree.
  • Experience in a technical manufacturing environment including measuring production parts, interpreting process output, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience in optical fabrication is strongly preferred, including experience with microscopes and mechanical or optical metrology equipment.
  • Experience operating grinding, cutting, or polishing machinery (manual or CNC).

Responsibilities

  • Crystal rod fabrication to include one or more of the following: blocking, grinding, beveling, polishing, measuring, and inspecting various rod materials and configurations per specification and production schedule.
  • Choosing proper fixtures and blocking rods for polishing.
  • Operating CNC optical grinding machines.
  • Preparing polishing slurries and maintaining laps.
  • Setting up and running overarm spindles.
  • Measuring geometrical properties.
  • Visually inspecting surface quality under a microscope.
  • Follow technical work instructions, understand engineering blueprints, and verify conformance to specifications within given tolerances.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area.
  • Utilize the electronic Shop Floor Control system for data entry and scanning parts through applicable routing steps.
  • Perform work in a manner complying with our ISO 9001 quality and EHS management systems.

Benefits

  • health insurance coverage
  • life and disability insurance
  • savings plan
  • Company paid holidays
  • paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
  • overtime
  • shift differential
  • discretionary bonus
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service