Optical Lens Design Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Acuity Polymers is seeking a skilled Optical Lens Fabricator / CNC Machinist to support the manufacturing of precision contact lenses and optical components. This position is responsible for setting up, programming, operating, and troubleshooting ultra-precision machining equipment while ensuring products meet design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with RGP contact lens manufacturing and a strong understanding of contact lens geometry, optical quality standards, and precision machining processes. This role reports to the VP of Operations and Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, program/edit, and operate optical lathes, CNC equipment, and single-point diamond turning machines to manufacture precision contact lenses and optical components.
• Machine base curves, front curves, peripheral curves, edge profiles, toric designs, multifocal features, and other custom optical geometries according to design specifications.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and process instructions to determine machining and inspection requirements.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using precision measuring equipment, including lensometers, profilometers, microscopes, radius gauges, thickness gauges, and other optical metrology tools.
• Adjust machine parameters, tooling, offsets, feeds, and speeds to maintain dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and production efficiency.
• Support polishing, edging, cleaning, inspection, packaging, and documentation activities as required.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of tooling, fixtures, and process improvements to support custom and production manufacturing.
• Document production activities, inspection results, nonconformances, and corrective actions in accordance with quality system requirements.
• Perform routine machine maintenance, calibration checks, and general equipment upkeep.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to resolve manufacturing issues and improve processes.
• Follow all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Technical certificate, associate degree, or equivalent machining, manufacturing, or optical production experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating CNC machinery, optical lathes, diamond turning equipment, or similar precision manufacturing systems.
• Proficiency setting up, operating, and troubleshooting contact lens lathes, optical lathes, single-point diamond turning equipment and CNC equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and work instructions.
• Knowledge of machining fundamentals, tooling, fixturing, feeds and speeds, and process troubleshooting.
• Experience using precision measurement and inspection equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, mathematical skills, computer proficiency, and attention to detail.
• Ability to accurately document work and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience manufacturing rigid gas permeable (RGP) or specialty contact lenses.
• Experience with CNC programming, G-code, M-code, CAM software, or machine control systems.
• Familiarity with optical manufacturing, diamond turning, lens design software, Mastercam, Precitech, Nanotech, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of contact lens materials, optical plastics, and specialty lens designs including scleral, toric, orthokeratology, and multifocal lenses.
• Experience in ISO, FDA-regulated, medical device, ophthalmic, aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting prototype development, custom products, or high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing detailed precision work.
• Ability to handle small, delicate components and operate manufacturing equipment safely.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Flexibility to work overtime or adjusted schedules as needed to support production requirements.