Job Description

SEE YOUR CAREER THROUGH A NEW LENS WITH RPO!

RPO is a global leader in precision optics, optical components, and optical assemblies. We specialize in a full spectrum of products & services including – Design and Engineering, Systems Integration, Lens Assembly, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, and Thin Film Coating. As one of the fastest growing companies in Rochester, RPO offers exciting career paths and work on market-leading programs. See below one of many career opportunities to join the RPO team!

Position Overview:

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll play a critical role in turning innovative designs into efficient, high‑quality production. You’ll optimize workflows, equipment layouts, and assembly methods to maximize throughput while ensuring products meet exacting standards. Working closely with engineering, production staff, and other manufacturing support personnel, you’ll lead the transition from prototype to volume manufacturing and drive continuous improvements that reduce costs, increase efficiency, and elevate performance. This role blends technical expertise with project leadership, making you a key force in shaping the future of our manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead manufacturing projects end‑to‑end — from planning and scope definition through execution and delivery.
• Translate goals into actionable plans by defining tasks, resources, timelines, and success metrics.
• Develop and manage detailed project schedules and budgets, ensuring milestones are met on time and within cost targets.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams to align priorities, resolve resource conflicts, and maintain accountability.
• Monitor progress with the right tools, tracking deliverables and proactively addressing risks or roadblocks.
• Partner with quality assurance to confirm specifications, documentation, and compliance before product release.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders, providing regular updates, reports, and solutions to challenges.
• Implement process changes and improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen output quality.
• Evaluate project outcomes to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Optical, or Aerospace Engineering. (other closely related engineering disciplines may be considered).

• 3 - 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering within a precision manufacturing environment, preferably supporting high-precision production processes.
• Strong proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) methods.
• Hands‑on experience with 3D modeling software; SolidWorks strongly preferred.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Proven ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex technical documents and specifications.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, and management teams.
• Background in optical assembly processes and precision optics manufacturing techniques a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Results-Oriented: Motivated, hard-working and ready to level up.
• Curious: You never stop learning and have an insatiable desire to gain new skills and knowledge.
• Process Oriented: Well organized, demonstrating attention to detail.
• Analytical: Possess a “If there’s a problem, I’ll find a solution” attitude.
• Accountable: Demanding the highest quality from yourself and team members.
• Detail-Oriented: Have excellent time management and organizational skills.
• A Team Player: Reliable, collaborative, flexible with a positive ‘get things done’ attitude.

Additional Requirements: 

Pursuant to ITAR, EAR, and other export compliance laws and regulations, applicants for this position must be U.S. Persons as defined by U.S. law, i.e., U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents ("Green Card" holders), persons granted refugee status or asylum status in the United States, or temporary residents granted amnesty.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package linked to your experience and performance.
• 401(k) with company match and Tuition Reimbursement opportunities.
• Health, dental, vision, HSA, & life insurance.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and 11 paid company holidays 

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Works in a precision manufacturing environment supporting optical assembly and production operations, with regular time spent on the manufacturing floor and in engineering or office settings. 
• Frequent interaction with production personnel, manufacturing equipment, tooling, and assembly processes in support of troubleshooting, process development, and continuous improvement activities. 
• Requires prolonged periods of standing, walking, and moving throughout production areas, with occasional sitting for engineering, documentation, and project-related work. 
• Regular use of hands for computer work, documentation, handling components, tooling, fixtures, and measurement equipment.
• Requires visual acuity for reviewing technical documentation, inspecting components and assemblies, and supporting process verification activities. 
• Exposure to typical manufacturing conditions, including moving mechanical equipment, moderate noise levels, airborne particles, cleaning agents, adhesives, oils, and solvents. 
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and cleanroom or controlled-environment garments, as required by specific production areas. 
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials, tooling, fixtures, or equipment, typically up to 50 pounds. 
• May require schedule flexibility or extended hours to support production priorities, troubleshooting activities, or project implementation deadlines.

Disclaimer:

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Rochester Precision Optics is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our people.

EOE/AA/Race/Gender/Disability/Veteran

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.