Job Description:
At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. We are seeking a CNC Machinist to join our Extreme Precision Optics team in Richmond, CA.
As a highly skilled CNC Machinist, you will use advanced machining expertise to set up, operate, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC milling equipment used to manufacture ultra-precise glass and ceramic components. This role requires strong technical judgment, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to consistently produce complex parts to demanding tolerance, surface finish, and quality requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Independently plan, set up, troubleshoot, CNC and non-CNC machines (3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC vertical milling centers) to execute complex, high precision components from glass and ceramic materials) to demanding tolerance and surface requirements.
- Serve as a technical leader on the shop floor guiding complex setups, supporting first-article builds, documenting standard work, sharing best practices, and coaching less experienced machinists to help the team make sound technical decisions
- Collaborate across functions to meet on-time delivery schedules, resolve technical issues, develop processes, tooling, and testing methods for new products
- Act as a subject-matter expert to both develop and execute CNC machining processes, work holding, tooling selection, inspection approaches, and manufacturability feedback during new product introduction and process improvement activities.
- Load, edit, optimize, and manage CNC programs; support program prove-out, revision control, and safe implementation of engineering changes.
- Diagnose complex machining, tooling, fixturing, and process issues; implement effective corrective actions to improve quality, repeatability, and throughput.
- Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts for machining-related issues; communicate findings clearly and help translate lessons learned into improved standard work, training, and preventive controls.
- Handle and clean optical components using established contamination-control practices; coach others on safe handling requirements.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- HS Diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in Machining Technologies or a related field strongly preferred
- Minimum of 6 years of demonstrated CNC machining experience required; experience in optics, glass, ceramic, or ultra-precision manufacturing strongly preferred.
- Collaborative technical leader with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate clearly, influence decisions, mentor others, lead technical discussions, and support cross-functional manufacturing goals.
- Expert ability to read and interpret complex drawings, specifications, and GD&T; advanced math skills including trigonometry, tolerance stack-up, and practical application to precision setups.
- Advanced proficiency with Fanuc and/or Siemens controls and apply working knowledge of GIBBS and/or Mastercam.
- Working knowledge of lean manufacturing practices with a strong commitment to safety and precision-level quality.
- Highly organized, detail oriented with strong ownership, accountability for technical issues and challenges, ability to appropriately escalate risks; recommend solutions, and drive follow-through across machining, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams.
- Strong computer aptitude, ability to use manufacturing systems (e.g., ERP/MRP) and CAM/viewer tools as required.
- Driven to achieve with the ability to take initiative, and flexible with shifting priorities.
- Capable to lift and move up to 70 lbs. and standing for extended periods of time
Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.
Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!
We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.
Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.
