Master Polisher - Ultra Precision Optics

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact.

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses ( around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.

About Us

Micro-LAM, a IDEX Inc. company, is a national leader in ultra precision optics, supporting cutting-edge applications in aerospace, defense, medical, and advanced imaging. We are proud to be consistently ranked among the best workplace cultures in the nation, with a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, respect, and professional growth.

Our team members stay with us because they are valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Master Polisher to lead our CNC optical polishing operations. This is a senior-level, hands-on role responsible not only for producing world-class optical surfaces, particularly on aspheric surfaces, but also for mentoring and training the next generation of precision polishers.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in precision optical polishing, strong process knowledge, and a passion for craftsmanship and teaching.

Relocation benefits provided for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute CNC optical polishing processes to achieve ultra precision surface requirements

• Produce optical components meeting stringent specifications for:

o Surface figure

o Surface finish

o Dimensional tolerances

• Develop, optimize, and refine polishing processes for quality and efficiency

• Train, mentor, and coach technicians and developing polishers

• Serve as a technical expert and resource for polishing best practices

• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to resolve technical challenges

• Evaluate and improve polishing tooling, techniques, and workflows

• Ensure consistent adherence to quality standards and procedures

• Assist in process documentation and continuous improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Significant prior experience in optical polishing (required)

• Proven expertise with CNC polishing equipment (Satisloh or Schneider preferred)

• Demonstrated ability to produce ultra precision optical surfaces

• Strong understanding of:

o Optical materials (glass, fused silica, ceramics, etc.)

o Surface figure and finish requirements

o Polishing techniques and tooling

• Experience training or mentoring others strongly preferred

• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship mindset

• Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex polishing challenges

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of optical polishing experience

• Experience in ultra precision or high-performance optics manufacturing

• Experience working to aerospace, defense, or advanced optical standards

• Familiarity with interferometry and optical metrology feedback

Why Join Micro-LAM - Portage MI

We believe great people deserve a great workplace.

We offer:

Outstanding Workplace Culture

• Nationally recognized as one of the best workplace cultures

• Respectful, team-focused environment

• Leadership that values employee input

Excellent Benefits Package

• Competitive salary

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Retirement plan with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development opportunities

• Stable, growing company with long-term career paths

Meaningful Work

• Contribute to advanced optical systems used in critical technologies

• Work alongside highly skilled craftspeople and engineers

Who You Are

You are someone who:

• Takes pride in precision craftsmanship

• Enjoys mentoring and helping others develop

• Wants to play a key leadership role on the manufacturing floor

• Values working in a positive, respectful environment

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer . IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.

Job Family: Operations

Business Unit: Micro-LAM