Summer 2026 Engineering Intern
6 days ago
West Henrietta
Job Description Title Manufacturing Engineering Intern Department Manufacturing Engineering Reports to Director of Production Engineering 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. 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: Our Engineering Internship Program offers hands‑on experience in a high‑precision optics manufacturing environment. Interns work alongside experienced engineers to improve processes, support production, and contribute to real projects that impact product quality, throughput, and innovation. This role is ideal for students pursuing degrees in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Computer Engineering who are eager to learn, collaborate, and apply engineering principles in a fast‑paced, technology‑driven setting. You Will: • Approach each day with curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn new technologies and processes., • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers, Technicians, and Production teams to support ongoing engineering projects., • Analyze manufacturing processes—including equipment performance, workflow, and resource utilization—to identify opportunities for improvement., • Assist in developing and implementing process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and support high‑precision optical fabrication and assembly., • Conduct time studies, capacity analyses, and workflow evaluations to support data‑driven decision‑making., • Help determine tooling, fixtures, and process parameters needed to meet product specifications., • Participate in troubleshooting production issues and documenting root‑cause analyses and corrective actions., • Prepare clear, concise reports and presentations summarizing findings, project status, and recommended solutions., • Support project planning activities, including defining scope, timelines, deliverables, and success metrics. Educational Requirements • Currently pursuing a BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Computer Engineering, or related field) from an ABET‑accredited institution. Preferred Skills and Experience: • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; familiarity with Access is a plus., • Exposure to 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks preferred)., • Basic understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)., • Coursework or experience related to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or process optimization., • Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other quality management systems., • Experience or interest in optical manufacturing, optical assembly, or precision fabrication is beneficial but not required., • Programming or data‑analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, SQL, or similar) are a plus for students with a computer or electrical engineering focus. 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.” Work Environment & 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, and crouch: and 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), • The employee is frequently required to use the computer., • 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. Summer 2026 - June thru July