Position Overview: In this role you will be part of the Optical Manufacturing team which is responsible for production of precision optics using a variety of grinding and polishing machines. As an experienced Optician, you will be part of a team which includes Manufacturing and Methods Engineers, CNC Operators, Technologists, Opticians, and Strategy & Analysis Engineers. This position will expose the candidate to various optical manufacturing assignments supporting multiple business units. The core of the assignment is to process optics across a variety of production operations.
Responsibilities:
- Grind, polish, and figure various optical materials to specified tolerances based on manufacturing instructions.
- Across multiple short-term projects, operate machines and conduct hand operations on optical surfaces with light supervision.
- Read and interpret technical drawings and technical work instructions to aid in machining and processing of optical materials.
- In concert with Engineering and other Optical Manufacturing Technicians, actively monitor process controls and instructions.
- Work with other Optical Manufacturing Technicians to develop basic machining and manufacturing skills along with developing an area of specialization.
- Assist in maintaining productivity and efficiency and meeting scheduled delivery dates through internal departmental communication and occasional external reporting.
- Comply with all environmental, health, and safety requirements.
- Clean machinery and maintain cleanliness of the work area.
- Support Quality Calibration to maintain compliance.
- Other duties as required.
Education Requirements:
HS Diploma or GED equivalent
Experience Required:
Minimum of 2 years relevant experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic computer skills including usage of Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Basic knowledge of optical materials.
- Ability to perform problem solving tasks.
- Strong math aptitude including knowledge of trigonometry and geometry.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of flexibility and assist others as needed including in areas of CNC machine operation to delicate hand polishing.
- Willingness to work in a lab environment.
- Knowledgeable of at minimum of 3 of the following operations/machines:
- Optics Protection
- Scratch-Dig Surface Inspection
- Hand Figure Correction
- Beveling
- Continuous Polishing
- Edge Polishing
- Metrology
- Flat Blocking
- Deterministic Polishing
- Spindle Grinding and Polishing
- Optical CNCs
The position is located onsite at our facility in Danbury, CT. Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We’re close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities – great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!
EHS/Environmental Requirements:
- Standing long periods of time (1-2 hours)
- Working with chemicals and solvents
- Working in a noisy environment requiring PPE
- Occasional lifting of up to 25Lbs.
- Working in an environment requiring temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, listen to and interpret instructions, operate tools and/or machinery with hands and arms and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. The employee will use protective equipment to work with chemicals, move between work stations, reach and replace equipment, and move items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Collaborating with world class experts, you will have the opportunity to develop innovative solutions in fulfillment of our customers’ requirements. We believe in our mission, and we believe in supporting our employees. We offer policies and programs that provide opportunities for continual learning, career growth and work/life balance along with a full suite of health and welfare benefits.
Employment with any of the ARKA Group companies in the US is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check and drug screen.
Due to contract requirements, US citizenship is required. Additionally, if you are a dual citizen (a citizen of the US and another country), the Company must obtain approval for you to have access to the information required for this position. You will not be able to begin employment until such approval is obtained and this may take several months.
Position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance. For your information, here is the form the government requires to begin the process of obtaining a clearance: https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf
No visa sponsorship is available for this position.
ARKA Group L.P. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.
