CNC Lathe Programmer

CNC Lathe Programmer
- Optical (Contact Lens) CNC Lathe Programmer
- Optical Systems (Contact Lens) Job Description

Build a career in precision optical manufacturing where your programming expertise helps create specialized contact-lens and optical components. This direct-hire, on-site opportunity is designed for a hands-on CNC professional who enjoys solving close-tolerance machining challenges, working with advanced optical systems, and seeing technical craftsmanship translate into high-quality products. You will join a Rochester production environment where programming, setup discipline, inspection, and continuous improvement all matter.

Position Type:
Direct Hire
- Comes with a full suite of benefits

Base Salary: $85,000-$100,000/yr.

On-Site Position

Shift

Schedule:

Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM

Overtime:
Possible, if needed

We have partnered with a quality and valued medical device manufacturing client in Rochester, NY and are hiring a CNC Lathe Programmer to support the manufacturing of precision contact lenses and optical components. This position is responsible for setting up, programming, operating, and troubleshooting ultra-precision CNC Lathe 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 directly to the VP of Operations and Engineering.

• Set up, program, and operate optical CNC Lathe 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.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications to determine CNC Lathe machining and inspection requirements.
• Perform first article (FAI), in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment, including lensometers, profilometers, microscopes, radius gauges, thickness gauges, and other optical metrology tools.
• Adjust CNC Lathe 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.

• 2+ years of experience setting up, operating, and programming CNC Lathe equipment in G&M code, CAM/CAD software, using Mastercam, in highly regulated FDA medical device, ophthalmic, AS9100 aerospace, and/or defense, manufacturing environments, required.
• 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.
• Technical certificate, associate degree, or equivalent machining, manufacturing, or optical production experience, required.
• High School Diploma, required.
• Skilled with precision measuring tools and equipment such as precision measuring equipment, including lensometers, profilometers, microscopes, radius gauges, thickness gauges, and other optical metrology tools
• Understanding of specialty contact lenses, optical manufacturing, diamond turning, lens design software, and Mastercam, required.
• Knowledge of machining fundamentals, tooling, fixturing, feeds and speeds, and troubleshooting processes.
• Experience using precision measurement and inspection equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, mathematical skills, computer proficiency, and attention to detail.
• Ability to accurately document work in ERP Software and communicate effectively
• Experience manufacturing rigid gas permeable (RGP) or specialty contact lenses.
• 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.

• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing…