Job ID: 1787974
Reference Code: KC-Precision-Optical Polisher
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Precision Optical Polisher for a direct hire opportunity in Temecula, CA with a precision manufacturing organization serving aerospace, defense, medical technology, semiconductor, UV, industrial lighting, and other advanced technical markets.
This role is ideal for a highly skilled craftsperson who takes pride in producing exceptional surface finishes on high-accuracy metal optical components. The Precision Optical Polisher will work with custom metal optics, advanced surface finishes, electroformed and CNC-machined components, specialty platings, and vacuum-deposited coatings used in demanding, high-performance applications.
This is a strong opportunity for someone who values precision, craftsmanship, quality, and hands-on technical work. The environment supports teamwork, attention to detail, and continuous improvement, with leadership that understands the importance of skilled manufacturing professionals. Candidates who enjoy solving technical challenges, working with close tolerances, and contributing to mission-critical components will find this role highly rewarding.
Key Responsibilities
- Polish, lap, grind, and prepare metal optical components such as reflectors, mirrors, tooling, and specialty parts to meet strict surface finish and dimensional requirements.
- Set up, operate, and maintain polishing equipment, laps, buffing tools, and related precision production equipment.
- Inspect components using visual methods and precision instruments such as micrometers, profilometers, interferometers, and other surface measurement tools.
- Verify surface finish, flatness, reflectivity, scratch/dig, roughness, and other optical criteria against engineering and customer specifications.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, process specifications, and technical documentation.
- Accurately document measurements, process steps, inspection results, nonconformances, and rework activity while maintaining a clean and contamination-controlled work area.
Compensation and Benefits
- Direct hire opportunity.
- Salary range: $72,000 to $85,000 per year, based on experience and salary expectations.
- Schedule: 1st shift, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
- Location: Temecula, CA.
- Relocation support may be available for qualified candidates.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans
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The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf
For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AppleOne is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.
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https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf
We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Produce precision surface finishes on metal optical components through polishing, lapping, grinding, and surface preparation.
- Operate and maintain polishing equipment and related precision manufacturing tools.
- Inspect optical surfaces and dimensional features using precision measurement and surface inspection instruments.
- Interpret drawings, process specifications, and technical documentation to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- 5+ years of experience in optical polishing, precision manufacturing, machining, or a closely related technical production environment.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Strong understanding of metal materials such as aluminum, nickel, stainless steel, chrome, and specialty alloys.
- Experience using precision measurement tools and surface inspection methods.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, work instructions, and production documentation.
- Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and commitment to quality.
- Ability to identify surface defects, perform rework, and maintain consistency on high-accuracy components.
- Ability to follow safety guidelines and properly handle polishing compounds, coolants, materials, and chemicals.
- Ability to stand for long periods and lift 25 to 50 lbs. occasionally.
- Good vision, with corrective lenses acceptable, for detailed inspection work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical or vocational training in machining, optics, manufacturing, or a related discipline.
- Experience with optical surface standards such as scratch/dig, RMS roughness, P-V, and surface accuracy.
- Experience with CNC or automated polishing systems.
- Knowledge of surface preparation for coatings, plating, or vacuum-deposited finishes.
- Exposure to ISO or AS9100 manufacturing environments.
- Experience working in a cleanroom or contamination-controlled manufacturing environment.