About the Role
We are seeking an experienced CNC Polishing Technician to join our Fabrication Team, manufacturing high-precision infrared and visible optical components to exacting customer specifications.
In this role, you will set up, operate and monitor CNC polishing equipment used to achieve demanding optical surface specifications, dimensional accuracy and surface quality requirements. Working to exacting tolerances, you will be responsible for producing high-value optical components that meet customer, drawing and process requirements.
Working with delicate and often fragile optical materials, you will take ownership of components throughout the polishing process, ensuring the highest standards of quality, cleanliness, workmanship and attention to detail are maintained at all times.
Key Responsibilities
Set up and operate CNC polishing machines to manufacture precision optical components.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, process documentation and manufacturing instructions.
Polish optical components to specified dimensional, form and surface finish requirements.
Select and prepare polishing tools, fixtures, consumables and polishing compounds.
Adjust machine parameters to achieve required optical surface quality and process consistency.
Monitor polishing operations and make process adjustments where required.
Perform first-off inspections and in-process quality checks to verify compliance with specifications.
Conduct visual inspections for scratches, digs, chips, defects and surface contamination.
Support optical metrology and inspection activities using approved measurement equipment.
Clean components using approved methods whilst maintaining strict cleanliness standards.
Identify and report non-conformances, damage or process abnormalities promptly.
Complete production records, route cards, process sheets and inspection documentation accurately.
Maintain full product traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions and approved manufacturing processes.
Understand and support Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) activities to ensure equipment reliability.
Assist with machine maintenance, housekeeping and equipment care activities.
Maintain a clean, organised and controlled working environment.
Handle delicate, high-value optical materials safely and carefully throughout manufacture and inspection.
Work collaboratively with colleagues while also being capable of working independently.
Prioritise workload effectively to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency and repeatability.
Report equipment issues, tooling concerns, quality problems and process deviations promptly.
Comply with all company Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental procedures.
***The responsibilities listed above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks to be performed. Additional duties are likely to be required as directed by the Department Manager.
Working Environment
The role is based within a precision optical fabrication environment where components may be small, delicate and high value. The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a controlled manufacturing environment and maintaining consistently high standards of cleanliness and housekeeping.
Due to the nature of the products, careful handling, attention to detail and adherence to documented processes are essential.
Key Relationships
Work closely with colleagues within the Fabrication Department to share knowledge and provide support.
Maintain regular communication with your Supervisor, raising concerns or issues promptly.
Build positive working relationships across the business through a professional and collaborative approach.
Physical Demands
The role involves supporting the day-to-day operation of the fabrication area, including moving materials and optical components between departments. Regular lifting of items in excess of 5kg may be required.
Reasonable adjustments may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Essential Skills & Experience
Proven experience operating CNC polishing equipment or precision polishing machinery.
Experience manufacturing precision components to tight dimensional tolerances.
Understanding of polishing processes, tooling and consumables.
Ability to read and accurately interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
Experience using precision measurement and inspection equipment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
Experience carrying out visual inspections and identifying surface defects.
High level of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Ability to work accurately with small and delicate components.
Experience working with SOPs, process sheets and controlled manufacturing documentation.
Understanding of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles.
Strong organisational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and use initiative.
Strong team-working skills.
Commitment to right-first-time manufacturing and continuous improvement.
Good understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.
Desirable Skills & Experience
Previous experience within precision optics manufacturing or a similar high-precision fabrication environment.
Experience polishing infrared optical materials or other brittle and specialist materials.
Experience working to micron-level dimensional and surface quality requirements.
Knowledge of optical form, flatness, surface figure and surface finish requirements.
Experience using interferometers, profilometers or other optical metrology equipment.
Understanding of optical surface quality standards including scratch-dig specifications.
Knowledge of ISO and DIN standards relating to optical components and surface quality.
Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement activities.
Understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability and quality control techniques.
Experience working within controlled cleanliness or cleanroom environments.
Personal Attributes
Precision: Maintains exceptional accuracy while manufacturing and inspecting optical components.
Attention to Detail: Able to identify extremely small defects, dimensional variations and surface imperfections.
Dexterity: Confident handling small, delicate and high value optical components.
Accountability: Takes ownership of the quality and accuracy of their work.
Reliability: Consistently follows procedures and meets production requirements.
Problem Solving: Able to investigate process, tooling and quality issues and identify practical solutions.
Teamwork: Works effectively with colleagues across fabrication, quality, engineering and production.
Initiative: Works independently and recognises when additional support is required.
Discipline: Comfortable working within controlled processes, SOPs and documented procedures.
Continuous Improvement: Actively contributes ideas to improve quality, efficiency and repeatability
