Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Title

Manufacturing Engineer

Department

Manufacturing Engineering

Reports to

Director of Production Engineering

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!

Job Summary:

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.

You will:

• 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.

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Optical, or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program (other closely related engineering disciplines may be considered).

• 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in optics or precision manufacturing.
• 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; familiarity with MS Access is a plus.
• 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 manufacturing techniques a plus.

You are:

• 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;
• A U.S. Person: Compliant with ITAR, EAR and other laws and regulations as defined: “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.”

You Will Enjoy:

• Growth: The opportunity to learn and advance your career;
• Wealth: Competitive compensation package linked to your experience and performance, a 401(k) with company match;
• Wellness: Health, dental, vision & life insurance;
• Balance: 11 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick-time.

Work Requirements & Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand: use hands to fingers, handle or feel: and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch: and talk and hear.

• The job may involve prolong periods of sitting/standing.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. May involve prolonged periods of magnified inspection (eye strain)

• Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp.
• The employee is frequently required to use the computer.

• May involve the use of oils and solvents.
• Subject to some soilage and irritation from cleaning solutions. (Lab Coats provided)
• Generally works in a clean environment and works to maintain the environment as such.
• Safety Glasses are required
• May require area specific safety training

• This position works in a manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne paper particles.
• May work at different workstations as production needs require, or shifts from one station to another, during the production process.

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/Minority/Female/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.

A Shift: 7am - 3:30pm