105 Best early career Jobs in Rochester, New York (April 2026)

Manufacturing Department Manager

21 days ago

West Henrietta

Job Description Title Manufacturing Department Manager Department Precision Glass Molding (PGM) 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 the RPO team! Job Summary: RPO is seeking a tenured and quality-focused manufacturing department manager who will be responsible for the overall operating performance of our Precision Glass Molding (PGM) group. PGM is a unique, proprietary technology that is rarely found among other optical companies. This role demands a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, precision-driven environment and is passionate about building high-performing teams, optimizing production workflows, and delivering exceptional results. As a key member of the operations management team, you will be responsible for aligning daily operations with strategic business goals, ensuring consistent quality and on-time delivery, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for an energetic, forward-thinking individual to work in a stimulating, fast-paced environment. You will: • Lead and manage all operational aspects of the Glass Molding Department, ensuring resources, equipment, materials, and personnel are aligned to consistently meet or exceed production schedules and quality expectations., • Develop a deep understanding of equipment capabilities, staffing levels, and product flow across upstream and downstream departments., • Lead the department in achieving or surpassing schedule commitments; identify risks early and communicate them clearly to the Director of Operations with recommended solutions., • Manage departmental production capacity, evaluate staffing needs, and coordinate hiring or transfers with the Director of Operations., • Identify tooling, fixturing, material, or consumable needs and coordinate proactively with Operations, Purchasing, and Planning to ensure timely availability., • Review and approve Department personnel timesheets and time-off requests by required deadlines and adjust where necessary. Work with Operations Manager to set and monitor approved overtime., • Provide consistent daily and weekly feedback to the Glass Molding team and Director of Operations through verbal updates, written reports, status boards, and scheduled reviews., • Establish and maintain clear communication channels to share team performance, concerns, achievements, and operational updates., • Actively participate in week-to-week and month-to-month scheduling, working closely with Planning., • Provide timely, detailed feedback on new and recurring job quotes, including resource requirements, risks, and process considerations., • Collaborate with internal departments—including Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, R&D, and Business Development—to support ongoing production and new product development., • Partner with Quality Assurance to define quality requirements and ensure the team consistently meets them through training, monitoring, and corrective action., • Ensure real‑time, accurate data entry for all production activities; work with the PGM team to resolve job issues and communicate corrective actions to Operations., • Establish employee training plans, working closely with Floor Leads and Technicians. Regularly review and update training logs. Ensure that all new staff have an established training plan for their job requirements., • Develop and maintain comprehensive training plans for all employees, working closely with Floor Leads and Technicians., • Mentor and develop supervisors, leads, and team members to support the evolving needs of the business., • Regularly review and update training logs; ensure all new hires have structured onboarding and skill‑development plans., • Maintain written documentation of employee performance, including reviews, achievements, and areas for improvement., • Champion lean principles and continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization, space utilization, and equipment integration., • Support the development, documentation, and maintenance of new and existing processes; ensure timely completion of documentation and retraining where required., • Research and recommend new equipment and technologies to improve quality, throughput, and cost efficiency. You Have: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Optics, Manufacturing, or a related technical field; Master’s degree preferred., • 10+ years of experience in a fast‑paced production or manufacturing environment, ideally aligned with glass or plastic molding, precision machining, or optics manufacturing., • 5–7 years of proven leadership experience, demonstrating the ability to develop teams, drive performance, and implement lean manufacturing principles., • Strong background in molding or machining, with the ability to read and interpret complex mechanical and optical blueprints, drawings, and specifications., • Demonstrated ability to develop, interpret, and apply capacity models using available production and operational data., • Strong organizational skills with the ability to follow detailed instructions, prioritize effectively, and manage time in a dynamic environment., • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with Epicor or comparable MRP/ERP systems., • Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey technical information clearly., • High level of mental agility, sound decision‑making, and strong troubleshooting capabilities., • Ability to perform effectively in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced, and evolving production environment, maintaining composure and focus under stress. 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: 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. 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., • Health, dental, vision & life insurance., • Balance: 11 paid holidays, generous paid vacation and sick time., • Culture: An energetic, value-driven team where you will experience the reward of meaningful work! Environment & Physical Demands: • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, reach with hands and arms and to use hands and fingers to handle, maneuver parts., • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear., • 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., • Safety Glasses are required and area specific safety training is required., • The job requires flexibility in schedule and potential weekend work., • 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., • This position requires working in a manufacturing environment and office setting., • The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. 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. 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.

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