Optics Fabrication Machinist

The Optics Fabrication Machinist role in the X-ray Science Division of the Advanced Photon Source will schedule and fulfill the work of the APS Optics Group and other customers responsibly, promptly and collaboratively. The position will machine X-ray optical components with various highly customized dimensions, shapes, crystallographic orientations, precisions, and strain/stress tolerance. These components are mainly made from brittle single crystals, such as silicon, germanium, sapphire, etc., but in special cases also from ceramics, metals, etc.

The successful candidate will:

• Work and coordinate with the APS Optics Group as requested on fabrication of such components using grinding, lapping, ultrasonic milling, and polishing techniques.

• Under minimal direction, provide advanced technical support towards optical manufacturing and implementation of solutions to complex optical fabrication and testing problems.

• Direct and/or perform various phases of optical work according to the blueprints, specifications, sketches, and written or verbal instructions from the APS Optics Group and other customers.

• Complete work order documentation describing jobs performed and enters time spent on customer forms for each job promptly; return documents to customers immediately after the work is completed.

• Set up, operate, and maintain optics fabrication machine tools, including machining for grinding and polishing.

• Maintain and update knowledge of materials, developments, and new practices within the field of professions. Perform miscellaneous duties as requested by Shops management. 

• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Skills in machining crystalline materials such as silicon, germanium, and sapphire—as well as advanced ceramics, as well metals.

• Knowledge of and experience in strain-free polishing techniques for crystal optical components used in X-ray synchrotron radiation beamlines.

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Basic knowledge of CAD, ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings and tolerancing, and basic dimensional and surface metrology.

• Experience in CNC machining

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.