Precision Machining Manager at Rochester Precision Optics LLC – West Henrietta, New York

Title

Precision Machining Manager

Department

Machine Shop

Reports to

Director of Operations

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 to RPO team!

Job Summary:

The precision machining manager leads people and processes, overseeing the day-to-day activities of our CNC Mill, Lathe, and Inspection teams. This individual will direct team activities with the goal of manufacturing the best possible products on time while maintaining a safe working environment, continuously improving processes, being an asset to customers, and developing employees in knowledge/competency resulting in a more effective team. Candidates must be flexible and able to respond positively to changes and challenges. They should be able to think outside the box to solve problems and willing to go the extra mile to ensure department goals are met. The ideal candidate will embrace the objectives and the culture of the company and can integrate them into daily decisions/actions consistently.

You Will:

Lead the Machine Shop team.

Provide motivation, support, guidance, and constructive feedback to employees, developing and training them while building understanding of and alignment with company culture and goals.

Elevate the entire team’s capability by actively developing knowledge, skills, and abilities—coaching individuals, identifying skill gaps, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Address personnel issues quickly and professionally, ensuring concerns are resolved with fairness, discretion, and alignment to company policy.

Provide decisive leadership by offering clear direction in both routine and high‑pressure situations.

Handle time & vacation approval, hiring selections and decisions to discontinue employment.

Manufacture the best possible products on time.

Schedule machines and staff for maximum productivity.

Coordinate all labor and materials in the machine shop.

Identify and implement processes and procedures to improve efficiency and quality.

Make recommendations on capital expenditures to improve capacity and quality.

Monitor productivity, utilizing charts and soft knowledge to maintain maximum productivity.

Be an asset to Machine Shop clients.

For Production Team – High quality parts delivered on-time.

For Planning Team – Accurate data on labor hours, capacity, and schedule.

For Engineering Team – Rapid response for R&D and feedback regarding capabilities, costs, and print redlines.

• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Must be available on reasonable notice for unscheduled overtime to meet production schedules.

You Have:

High School Diploma/GED required. Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business preferred; equivalent, relevant experience will be considered.

Minimum 5 years of experience leading personnel, including performance management and team development.

At least 10 years of hands‑on precision machining experience within a manufacturing environment.

Strong, decisive leadership with the ability to solve problems under pressure and drive team accountability.

Experience with capacity planning, resource allocation, and capital investment strategy.

Skilled in data-driven decision-making, using metrics to guide performance and identify opportunities.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence and collaborate.

Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Advanced machining proficiency preferred, including experience with Hardinge, Mori Seiki, Mazak lathes, Bridgeport/Prototrak, and Haas mills.

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.

The employee is frequently required to use the computer.

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.

Culture: an energetic, caring, fun, value-driven team.

Work Environment:

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.