Full Time First Article Inspector Jobs in Rochester, NY

Title

Mechanical Inspector

Department

Quality Assurance

Reports to

Director of Product Assurance

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:

The Mechanical Inspector is responsible for performing complex dimensional inspections and developing CMM programs used to verify compliance of precision machined components and assemblies. This role serves as a technical resource within the Quality department, supporting receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections while ensuring measurement methods are accurate, repeatable, and aligned with customer and internal requirements. In addition to performing inspections, this individual will support calibration activities, assist with fixture development, and provide guidance to inspectors on measurement techniques and best practices. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, sound technical judgment, and the ability to work independently within a precision manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program, operate, and maintain Zeiss CMM equipment used to inspect precision machined components and assemblies.
• Validate and optimize CMM inspection programs to ensure accurate and repeatable measurement results.
• Perform receiving, in-process, first article, PPAP, and final inspections in accordance with customer requirements, engineering drawings, and internal procedures.
• Interpret complex mechanical drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to determine appropriate inspection methods and acceptance criteria.
• Utilize a variety of inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, height gages, thread gages, optical comparators, and other precision measurement tools.
• Analyze inspection data, identify nonconformance's, and communicate findings to Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.
• Perform calibration and verification activities for inspection and measurement equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain accurate inspection records, calibration documentation, and quality system records.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inspection efficiency, measurement system reliability, and quality performance.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree or technical training in Quality, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience performing dimensional inspection within a precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating CMM equipment; Zeiss/Calypso experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency using precision measurement equipment including micrometers, calipers, height gages, thread gages, optical comparators, and related inspection tools.
• Experience performing first article inspections, PPAP activities, capability studies, and dimensional reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate dimensional issues and support root cause analysis activities.
• Experience working within ISO-regulated, aerospace, medical device, optics, or other precision manufacturing environments is 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

Environment & Physical Demands:

• Works primarily within a dedicated inspection and metrology environment, with regular interaction and support provided to manufacturing, machining, and assembly operations throughout the facility.
• Requires prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting, and moving between inspection areas, production departments, and workstations as needed.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate inspection equipment, CMM systems, computers, calibration equipment, and precision measurement instruments.
• Requires strong visual acuity, attention to detail, and the ability to distinguish fine dimensional features while reviewing drawings, inspecting components, and evaluating measurement results.
• Regular use of microscopes, comparators, CMM equipment, and other precision metrology tools may require extended periods of focused inspection work.
• Frequent computer use is required for CMM programming, inspection reporting, calibration records, data analysis, and quality documentation.
• May require occasional lifting, carrying, or movement of inspection fixtures, tooling, gages, and components, typically up to 25 pounds.
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment may occur when supporting production activities, including moderate noise levels, moving mechanical equipment, machining oils, and airborne particles.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and any area-specific safety equipment, when working in production areas.
• Position may require occasional overtime or schedule flexibility to support production priorities, first article inspections, customer requirements, or quality-related initiatives.

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.