Freelance Certified Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Title

Senior 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. 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:

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer provides technical leadership and manufacturing support for various precision optics operations, with responsibility for process development, production support, and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing lines. This role works closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to improve process stability, reduce waste, increase throughput, and support the successful transition of products from prototype through volume production.

The position plays a key role in developing standardized manufacturing methods, troubleshooting complex production issues, and implementing process improvements that enhance quality, repeatability, and operational efficiency. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, hands-on problem-solving ability, and experience working within a precision manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership and manufacturing support across multiple precision optics production lines.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized manufacturing processes, work instructions, and process documentation to support consistent and repeatable production.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis efforts related to production and process issues impacting quality, yield, or throughput
• Support the transition of products from prototype and engineering development into stable volume production environments.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling, fixtures, and process improvements to increase efficiency, improve repeatability, and reduce scrap and cycle time.
• Analyze production data and process metrics to identify trends, improve process capability, and support data-driven manufacturing decisions.
• Partner closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve operational performance.
• Lead or support manufacturing projects and capital improvement initiatives, including scope definition, implementation, validation, and follow-through.
• Train and provide technical guidance to production personnel, technicians, and junior engineering staff as needed.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with internal quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory or documentation requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Optical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing engineering experience within a precision manufacturing environment, preferably supporting optical assembly or other high-precision production processes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing process development, process control, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting production environments, including root-cause investigation, yield improvement, cycle time reduction, and process optimization.
• Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.
• Hands-on experience with fixture/tooling development and manufacturing process documentation.
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling software; SolidWorks preferred.
• Strong analytical capability with experience using production data and process metrics to support decision-making and process improvement.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles; Six Sigma experience or certification is beneficial.
• Experience working within ISO-regulated manufacturing environments; familiarity with ITAR-controlled manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions and manufacturing scale-up activities preferred.

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.