Process Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Title

Injection Molding Process Technician

Department

Plastics

Reports to

Plastics Manager

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 2:00 PM-10:30 PM. New hires will complete approximately 4-6 weeks of training on 1st Shift before transitioning to 2nd Shift. Includes a 5% shift differential.

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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 Injection Molding Process Technician is responsible for setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing injection molding processes used in the production of precision optical components. This role plays a key part in supporting production by performing mold changeovers, establishing process parameters, monitoring product quality, and driving process improvements to achieve yield, quality, and production goals. The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing professional with experience in injection molding who understands the relationship between tooling, machine parameters, and part quality. This position works closely with production, quality, engineering, and maintenance teams to ensure safe, efficient, and repeatable manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform mold installations, mold changeovers, and machine setup activities in preparation for production runs.
• Establish, adjust, and document injection molding process parameters to achieve quality and production requirements.
• Start up, validate, and monitor production jobs following mold changes, maintenance activities, or process adjustments.
• Troubleshoot molding defects, process variation, machine issues, and tooling concerns to maintain production performance.
• Monitor process stability and make adjustments as necessary to improve yield, quality, and throughput.
• Perform mold tear-downs and follow established mold removal, staging, and storage procedures.
• Disassemble, clean, inspect, maintain, and reassemble molds in accordance with departmental standards.
• Perform mold insert changes and verify proper tooling configuration prior to production.
• Conduct in-process inspections and communicate quality concerns to production, quality, and engineering personnel.
• Utilize precision measuring equipment, including calipers, micrometers, profilometers, and other inspection tools to verify product conformance.
• Operate and support optical and mechanical testing equipment used to evaluate molded component quality.
• Accurately document process parameters, setup information, maintenance activities, and inspection results.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on process capability, cycle time reduction, quality improvement, and waste reduction.
• Maintain compliance with safety requirements, quality standards, Lean Manufacturing principles, and 5S practices.
• Support overtime, off-shift, or weekend coverage as required to meet production demands.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required. Technical training, apprenticeship, trade school education, or an associate degree in a manufacturing-related discipline is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an Injection Molding Process Technician, Mold Technician, Setup Technician, or similar role within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience performing mold changeovers, machine setup, process adjustments, and production start-ups.
• Strong understanding of injection molding processes and the impact of process parameters on product quality and consistency.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot molding defects, tooling issues, and process-related challenges.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, and other inspection tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to safely work with molds, tooling, and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, setup sheets, process documentation, and production requirements.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to product quality and process control.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with production, quality, engineering, and maintenance teams.
• Experience within precision manufacturing, optical manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, or other highly regulated 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 

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands & fingers, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear.
• 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 job may involve prolong periods of standing.
• Highly repetitive work, usually in a fixed body position for a sustained period of time.
• 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 and hearing protection 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/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.