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

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!

Position Overview:

The Precision Machining Manager is responsible for the performance of CNC machining operations, including mills, lathes, and the tool room, supporting high-volume production with strict tolerance requirements. This role oversees daily production with accountability for output, on-time delivery, and part quality while maintaining a safe and efficient operation.

The position leads a team of operators and machinists, ensuring work is executed in accordance with established processes, production schedules, and quality standards. The manager is responsible for building team capability through training, performance management, and day-to-day coaching to support consistent execution and long-term development.

This role works closely with engineering, quality, and planning to resolve production issues, maintain stable machining processes, and improve performance while driving cost reduction and operational efficiency. Success in this position requires sound decision-making, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a consistent focus on meeting production and quality targets in a precision manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Own machining operations performance, including production output, on-time delivery, and part quality in a high-volume, tight-tolerance environment.

Lead and develop a team of machinists and operators through coaching, performance management, training, and hiring decisions.

Plan and allocate labor and machine capacity to meet production requirements and maximize throughput.

Monitor and improve productivity, identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements to increase output and reduce waste.

Maintain process stability and ensure adherence to established machining and quality standards.

Partner with engineering, quality, and planning to resolve production issues, support new product introduction, and improve manufacturability.

Drive cost reduction through improved labor efficiency, tooling utilization, scrap reduction, and process optimization.

Oversee tooling readiness and support tool room operations to ensure production continuity.

Evaluate and recommend capital equipment, tooling, and process investments to improve capacity, capability, and quality.

Required Qualifications:

10+ years of hands-on precision machining experience in a manufacturing environment, including CNC mills, lathes, or mill-turn equipment.

Minimum 5 years of experience leading production teams, including hiring, performance management, and employee development.

Proven understanding of machining processes, tooling, and production flow in a high-volume, tight-tolerance environment.

Demonstrated ability to manage production operations, including capacity planning, labor allocation, and meeting output and delivery targets.

Experience identifying and implementing process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce scrap, and improve overall machining performance.

Ability to analyze production data and use metrics to drive decisions, troubleshoot issues, and improve results.

Strong problem-solving ability with the judgment to make decisions in a fast-paced production environment.

Effective communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and planning.

Associate degree or technical/vocational training in machining or a related field is beneficial; bachelor’s degree in engineering or business is helpful but not required.

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 manufacturing environment supporting CNC machining operations, with regular presence on the shop floor and time spent in an office setting.

Frequent standing and walking throughout the facility, with occasional prolonged sitting for planning and administrative work.

Regular use of hands for computer work, documentation, and interaction with production materials and tooling.

Requires visual acuity to monitor processes and inspect parts as needed.

Exposure to machine shop conditions, including moderate to high noise levels, moving mechanical equipment, airborne particles, and oils/coolants.

Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, in designated areas.

Occasional lifting of materials or tooling, typically up to 50 pounds.

May require schedule flexibility, including extended hours or overtime, to support production needs.

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.

The standard schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, eight‑hour workdays. However, due to the high‑level leadership responsibilities of this role and the critical nature of the Precision Glass Molding Department within our vertically integrated operations, additional hours may be required. Extended days, early starts, or late finishes may be necessary to support production demands, address urgent issues, or ensure departmental performance and schedule adherence.