Research Technician 1

Title

Research Technician I

Department

Research & Development

Reports to

Chief Technology Officer, R&D

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:

Research Technician I will be responsible for creating IR materials utilizing melt furnaces, annealers and torches. The job requires attention to detail and strict process adherence. He/she can set up and operate complex jobs, troubleshoot machine and/or parameter problems and make suggestions for improvements or corrections. He/she may also perform a variety of secondary operations such as part measurements, data recording, and general lab functions. The work requires good judgment, communication skills, and time management. Exposure to various chemicals in processes, some of which are hazardous, will require special handling/training. Experience in optics is highly desired, but not mandatory

Summary of Essential Job Duties:

Strict attention to weighing of raw materials

Setup, Operate and closely monitor furnaces and annealers

Operate Oxy/Gas torch daily

Record detailed information on material produced both digitally and written

Move and handle delicate equipment and material in strict adherence to established process

Maintain and document processes and work instructions working with operations and engineering

Operate traditional inspection equipment such as measuring devices, thermal analysis equipment, micrometers, height gages, and Vernier calipers.

Support equipment and space planning, maintenance, and utilities planning

Responsible for the maintenance of equipment, tools and consumables

Understand equipment capabilities and limitations

Work within the confines of a glovebox for extended periods of time

Minimum Requirements:

Comfortable around open flames and heat

Must be able to work with hazardous materials

Experience with mechanical troubleshooting

Computer skills (Word, Excel, etc.)

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Fitted and checked yearly for respirator

Open to work OT when production required

Qualifications and Competencies:

Knowledge & Skills:

Proficient math skills

Detail oriented, ability to follow directions

Analytical troubleshooting / problem solving

Strong decision-making skills capable of working independently

Good time management skills

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

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

Employee must have/ be willing to obtain an OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPPER initial training and an 8-hour re-fresher training annually.

Language and Mathematical Skills:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex documents.

Ability to communicate effectively to team members and management both written and verbal.

Ability to apply basic/intermediate mathematical concepts.

Educational Requirements:

High School Diploma or equivalent

Prefer Associates, trade or tech degree

Emergency Services background, preferred but not required

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.

Work Requirements:

Physical Demands:

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

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 required to work in tight spaces.

The job may involve prolong 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 job will require regular lifting and moving of 30-50 lbs.

Work Environment:

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

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 daily

May require area specific safety training

This position works in a lab/manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Some operations will be performed in a separate building onsite that has limited access.

The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne paper particles, heat and open flame.

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-workday.

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.