Research Engineer

Title

Research Engineer

Department

Research & Development

Reports to

Chief Technical Officer

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:

Employee is responsible for advancing the company through the planning and execution of market driving and expanding project-based experiments. Projects will be focused on but not limited to novel material evaluation for various departments, fabrication and processing advancements, and improvements of existing products. Employee will perform data analysis to determine direction towards project objectives. They regularly interface with project or subject matter leads, program & department managers, as well as the larger science and technology community for the success of project objectives. The work requires good judgment, communication skills, and time management. Exposure to various chemicals in processes, some of which are hazardous and will require special handling/training. Experience in optics molding is desired, but not mandatory.

Summary of Essential Job Duties:

Research, design, and develop materials, processes, metrology, systems, machines, controls, and equipment.

Lead the planning and implementation of R&D projects.

Conduct reactions, fabrication, and metrology tasks

Facilitate the definition of project scope, goals, and deliverables.

Define project tasks and resources required.

Manage and execute project budget, resource allocation, and project timelines.

Provide direction and support to project team.

Create and present reports defining project progress, problems, and solutions.

Implement and manage project changes and interventions to achieve project outputs.

Project evaluations and assessment of results.

Assist in the transition of R&D to prototype, pilot, and full manufacturing.

Experience/Certifications/Degrees Required:

BS degree or higher in Glass Eng. / Ceramic Eng. / Chemical Eng. / Material Science & Eng. / Mechanical Eng. / Physics / Chemistry or like degree in engineering required, or 5 years of experience in glass manufacturing.

Experience in a laboratory setting, including safety training and protocols.

Experience with MS Suite of software is required.

Experienced in ITAR regulations, specifications, and company compliance including, but not limited to, optics, mechanics, quality, verification, and testing is preferred.

Experience with Optical Manufacturing preferred.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex documents. Ability to communicate effectively to team members and management.

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.

Ability to work with varied personalities but exercises good judgment when required.

Ability to adapt to changing conditions within the R&D team.

Work Requirements:

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand: use hands and fingers, handle or feel: and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch. May be require to work in tight spaces.

The job may involve prolonged periods of sitting / standing.

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.

The employee is required to work with open flame and hot objects.

The job requires employee to work in a glovebox environment for extended periods of time.

The job requires applicant to pass hearing test.

The job will require regular lifting and moving 30-50 lbs.

Work Environment:

May involve the use of oils, bases, acids and or solvents.

Generally, works in a clean environment and works to maintain the environment as such.

Job specific personal protection equipment will be required to be worn on a daily basis.

May require area specific safety training.

This position works in both a laboratory and manufacturing environments. 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, heat and open flames.

May work at different workstations as production needs require, or shifts from one station to another, during the production process.

Compensation & Benefits:

RPO offers highly competitive, total compensation packages linked directly to employee’s professional experience. RPO’s benefits include: Tuition Reimbursement Program, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, 9 paid holidays, generous paid vacation and sick time and a 401(k) plan after a 60-day waiting period. Additionally, we work a 4/10 work week that provides for every Friday as a non-work day.

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.

RPO offers a competitive work life balance with a 4/10 work schedule!