Assembly Technician

About the role:

The Optical Assembly Technician 1 performs foundational optical manufacturing operations in support of optical and optomechanical assemblies. This role focuses on part preparation, cleaning, inspection, incoming measurement, and non‑precision optical assembly tasks, where optical positioning is governed by machined features rather than active alignment. Work is performed in a controlled clean‑room manufacturing environment following established procedures and quality standards to ensure parts and assemblies are clean, conforming, and ready for precision optical operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Clean metal, glass, and optical components using approved solvents, wipes, ultrasonic systems, and defined cleaning methods.
• Follow contamination‑control and handling practices appropriate for clean‑room manufacturing.
• Prepare components for downstream assembly operations, inspection, or packaging.
• Perform incoming and in‑process measurements on machined metal parts and optical elements to verify compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Measure features including lens center thickness, diameter, wedge, edge dimensions, housing bores, depths, and mechanical interfaces.
• Use standard measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, height gauges, and basic optical metrology tools.
• Document inspection results and identify nonconforming material in accordance with quality procedures.
• Assemble optical components into housings where alignment is passively controlled by machined features.
• Apply and cure adhesives for securing optics according to defined processes.
• Perform basic mechanical assembly tasks including fastening, fixturing, and handling of subassemblies.
• Verify assembly completeness and workmanship prior to release.
• Follow work instructions, travelers, and standard operating procedures.
• Record build and inspection data to maintain product traceability.
• Communicate unclear instructions, discrepancies, or quality concerns to supervisors or engineering.
• Maintain an organized work area that supports precision optical manufacturing.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in a manufacturing, assembly, inspection, or technician role.
• Experience handling optical components or precision‑machined parts preferred.
• Experience working in regulated or high‑quality manufacturing environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to read basic mechanical drawings and follow written assembly instructions.
• Familiarity with hand tools, adhesives, and standard inspection equipment.
• Basic understanding of optical components such as lenses, windows, and filters.
• Understanding of contamination‑control principles in clean‑room environments.
• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.
• Ability to accurately document work and inspection results.
• Ability to identify quality issues and escalate them appropriately.
• Ability to work dependably within established procedures and team structures.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a clean‑room manufacturing environment.
• Requires compliance with defined gowning and contamination‑control protocols.
• Involves handling small, delicate optical and precision‑machined components.
• Requires sustained visual focus and fine motor control.
• May involve extended periods of sitting or standing.
• Requires compliance with ESD and chemical‑handling safety requirements.

Additional Requirement:

Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be U.S. Persons. Generally, a U.S. Person is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.