Diamond Turning Programmer/Machinist in Fountain Valley, California at SureFire LLC

About the Company:

At SureFire, our mission is to build the best illumination tools, suppressors, and tactical products no matter the cost to enhance the safety and performance of those who go into harm's way on our behalf. We also provide these same, no-compromise products to our civilian customers who demand the ultimate in quality, innovation, and performance. We strive to continuously expand our business, product line, workforce, and expertise to preserve our place as the premier provider of these cutting-edge products. To achieve this, we will continually expand the depth and quality of the SureFire brand by refining, expanding, and enhancing our product line, and always aspiring to improve our service and professional relationships. We nurture this culture of excellence in everything we do, and treat everyone we deal with employees, customers, and vendors in a fair and ethical manner. We're proud of the quality we produce and the people who produce it, and we're looking for talented individuals who want to make a real impact.

About the Role:

As a Diamond Turning Programmer/Machinist within the Precision Manufacturing team, you will program, set up, operate, and optimize ultra-precision machining equipment used to manufacture advanced optical and optomechanical components. This role spans CNC programming, machine setup, process development, tooling optimization, and production support, bridging hands-on machining activities with engineering requirements to achieve demanding surface finish, form accuracy, and dimensional tolerances. Working closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams, you will develop and refine machining processes, troubleshoot production challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to ensure the consistent production of high-quality components. Collaborating across cross-functional teams, you will provide technical expertise to solve complex manufacturing challenges and support the successful production of precision optical components.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate ultra-precision diamond turning equipment to manufacture precision optical and optomechanical components.
• Install and qualify diamond cutting tools, precision fixtures, vacuum chucks, and work-holding systems.
• Establish and verify machine coordinate systems, tool offsets, and part alignment.
• Perform machine setup, prove-out, first-article verification, and production support activities.
• Monitor machining operations and adjust feeds, speeds, tooling, compensation, and process parameters to achieve required dimensional tolerances, form accuracy, and surface finish requirements.
• Develop and optimize machining strategies for spherical, aspheric, and freeform optical surfaces to improve quality, repeatability, efficiency, and cycle time.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to develop, qualify, validate, and improve machining processes for new and existing products.
• Support prototype builds, new product introduction efforts, and transition of products from development into production.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, optical prescriptions, manufacturing instructions, and technical documentation.
• Perform first-article, in-process, and final inspections using precision metrology and measurement equipment.
• Verify product conformance to dimensional, surface finish, and quality requirements; document inspection results and nonconforming conditions.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, surface finish, form accuracy, and process-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Document machining setups, process changes, inspection results, and manufacturing data in accordance with company procedures.
• Recommend and implement continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling, fixturing, machine performance, process capability, throughput, yield, and scrap reduction.
• Maintain machine cleanliness, environmental controls, and safe operating practices required for ultra-precision manufacturing.
• Maintain good attendance and punctuality.
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude; cooperate with co-workers, management, internal and external customers, etc.
• Execute daily process improvement using lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Maintain work area by the use of 6S principles.
• Work safely at all times and report any unsafe conditions or injuries to your supervisor or manager immediately.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Competencies - To perform the job successfully, the candidate should demonstrate the following:

1. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
2. Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
3. Written Communication / Oral Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information; Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
4. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback.
5. Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
6. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
7. Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
8. Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
9. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
10. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
11. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
12. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required. Technical certification, vocational training, apprenticeship, or associate degree in Precision Machining, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Technology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant ultra-precision machining experience will be considered.

Computer Skills

• Must be proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Knowledge of drafting programs is a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• On-site presence required for real-time equipment operation, hands-on production oversight, and safety supervision.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Pay Range
The hiring range for this role is $115,000 to $150,000. The hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements, and geographic location.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work is performed in a precision manufacturing environment with controlled temperature, cleanliness, and environmental conditions.
• Regular exposure to machining equipment, moving mechanical parts, cutting tools, and manufacturing materials is required.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate and may vary depending on production activities.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety procedures are required.
• The position requires working in laboratory and production floor environments while maintaining cleanliness standards necessary for ultra-precision optical manufacturing.