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Diamond Turning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Diamond Turning Machinist

Richmond, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.50/hr

As a Diamond Turning Machinist at Zygo Extreme Precision Optics in Richmond, CA, you will work with single-point diamond turning equipment to manufacture high precision optical components. KEY ...

As a Diamond Turning Machinist at Zygo Extreme Precision Optics in Richmond, CA, you will work with single-point diamond turning equipment to manufacture high precision optical components. KEY ...

As a Diamond Turning Machinist at Zygo Extreme Precision Optics in Richmond, CA, you will work with single-point diamond turning equipment to manufacture high precision optical components. KEY ...

Diamond Turning Machinist

Richmond, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.50/hr

As a Diamond Turning Machinist at Zygo Extreme Precision Optics in Richmond, CA, you will work with single-point diamond turning equipment to manufacture high precision optical components. KEY ...

Single‑point diamond turning * Conventional optics fabrication * Optical metrology (profilometry, interferometry) * Opto‑mechanical assembly * Demonstrated capability to lead complex engineering ...

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Diamond Turning information

What is diamond turning?

A Diamond Turning job involves operating precision machining equipment that uses diamond-tipped tools to shape optical components, metal surfaces, and other high-precision parts. This process is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, defense, and optics to achieve extremely smooth and accurate surfaces. Operators are responsible for machine setup, tool calibration, and quality inspection to ensure precise tolerances.

What are some typical challenges faced in a diamond turning role?

Professionals in diamond turning often encounter challenges such as maintaining ultra-high precision and surface quality, adjusting equipment for different materials, and preventing tool wear or damage. Meeting tight tolerances and quality standards for specialized components—especially in fields like optics or aerospace—can be demanding. Working closely with engineers and quality assurance teams is common, ensuring that exact customer specifications are met. Staying updated with the latest advancements in machining technology and consistently recalibrating equipment are also part of the role, making adaptability and attention to detail particularly important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in diamond turning, and why are they important?

To thrive in diamond turning, you need strong precision machining skills, attention to detail, and typically a background in manufacturing technology or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with diamond turning lathes, CNC machines, metrology tools, and safety certifications such as OSHA training is essential. Problem-solving abilities, patience, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with team members and ensuring quality. These skills are crucial to produce ultra-precise components for industries like optics and aerospace, where accuracy and consistency are paramount.

What are the most commonly searched types of Diamond Turning jobs in California?

The most popular types of Diamond Turning jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Diamond Turning jobs in California?

For Diamond Turning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Diamond Turning jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Diamond Turning jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Diamond Turning jobs?

Cities in California with the most Diamond Turning job openings:

Infographic showing various Diamond Turning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Diamond Turning Machinist

Ametek

Richmond, CA • On-site

$24.50 - $33.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

91st of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


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.  

As a Diamond Turning Machinist at Zygo Extreme Precision Optics in Richmond, CA, you will work with single-point diamond turning equipment to manufacture high precision optical components. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Generate a consistent flow of high-quality work through the diamond turning department with high-precision and detail, collaborating with supervision and planning group to meet on-time delivery schedules.  

  • Assist in continuously improving procedures and methods with a mind toward efficiency 

  • Set-up and operate CNC diamond turning machines (Precitech 700Ultra and Precitech X Nanoform) to fabricate precision components out of various materials including aluminum, calcium fluoride, silicon, zinc selenide, among others) 

  • Maintain and assemble diamond tools in tool holders and positioning of tools in machine, perform difficult and complex set-ups and operate machine on assignments, under minimal supervision with direction from engineering  

  • Create, load, edit and store programs and run software analysis routines on data to prepare machine control programs 

  • Use metrology equipment such as interferometers and profilometers to measure results of process 

  • Handle and clean optical components without downgrading the surfaces 

  • Integrate, troubleshoot and repair complex processes 

  • Assist in developing procedures for new products including initiating corrections and improvements and training as needed 

KEY REQUIREMENTS 

  • High School or Technical High School diploma, A.S degree in technical discipline preferred.  

  • 6-8 years of related industry experience with spherical optics and optical testing required, aspheres preferred. 

  • Experience with SPDT manufacturing equipment such as Moore Nanotech, Precitech, etc. Required, Mastercam and Diffsys Single Point Diamond Turning programming  

  • Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability to troubleshoot equipment/process issues and drive to resolution. 

  • Collaborative team player with a focus on problem-solving and ability to communicate with, influence and mentor others. 

  • Advanced math skills, including trigonometry and tolerance stack-up with ability to apply to complex setups, with ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and GD&T. 

  • Organized, careful, and detail-oriented.  

  • Strong computer skills including MS Work and Excel 

  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use of hands or fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and keyboarding; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. 

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. 


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