CNC Machinist - 3rd Shift

Title

CNC Machinist I

Department

Machine Shop

Reports to

Machine Shop Manager

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 10:00 PM-6:30 AM. New hires will complete approximately 4-6 weeks of training on 1st Shift before transitioning to 3rd Shift. Includes a 10% shift differential.

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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 the Rochester area, RPO offers exciting career paths to work on market-leading programs across a variety of industries.

Position Overview:

The CNC Machinist I is responsible for operating, monitoring, and optimizing CNC machining processes to produce high-precision components in a production manufacturing environment. This role requires a strong understanding of machining fundamentals, blueprint interpretation, inspection techniques, tooling, and process control to consistently achieve quality and production objectives.

Working from established setups, programs, and process documentation, the CNC Machinist I monitors machining performance, performs advanced inspections, troubleshoots production issues, and makes appropriate process adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy, quality, and throughput. This position serves as a technical resource within the machining department and plays a key role in supporting safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, routers, and work instructions to understand part requirements, tolerances, and machining processes.
• Operate CNC mills, lathes, and other machining equipment using established programs, setups, and process documentation.
• Monitor machining operations and make appropriate adjustments to offsets, tooling, feeds, speeds, and process parameters to maintain dimensional accuracy, quality, and productivity.
• Perform advanced in-process and final inspections using micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, thread gauges, optical comparators, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Verify product conformance to dimensional, geometric, and cosmetic requirements and ensure all quality standards are met.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, quality, and process-related issues and communicate concerns to technical leads or management as appropriate.
• Perform tooling changes, tool life monitoring, and wear compensation to maintain stable machining processes.
• Assist with machine setup activities, process validation, and first-piece verification when required.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, maintenance, and ERP documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, throughput, scrap reduction, and cost savings.
• Train, assist, and support less experienced operators as needed while promoting best practices within the department.
• Perform and document routine operator-level preventative maintenance activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Be available for occasional overtime to support production requirements.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED or vocational equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years of CNC machining experience within a precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating CNC mills and/or lathes, including offset adjustments, tooling changes, process monitoring, and troubleshooting production issues.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Strong understanding of machining principles including feeds, speeds, tool wear, cutting tool selection, and process control.
• Proficiency with precision inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, thread gauges, optical comparators, and similar metrology tools.
• Working knowledge of G-code and M-code programming, including the ability to review and perform minor program edits when required.
• Understanding of machine setup principles and machining processes, with the ability to support setup and process validation activities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve machining and quality concerns.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.

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 theres a problem, Ill 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

Environment & Physical Demands:

• This position works primarily in a manufacturing environment supporting CNC machining operations and precision component production.
• Requires prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the workday while operating equipment, performing inspections, and supporting production activities.
• Regular use of hands, fingers, and arms to operate machinery, handle tooling, manipulate parts, and perform precision measurements.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of raw materials, tooling, fixtures, and finished components. Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds is required.
• Requires frequent bending, reaching, twisting, crouching, and movement around machining equipment and workstations.
• Regular use of precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, comparators, and other metrology tools.
• Requires visual acuity sufficient to inspect parts, identify defects, verify dimensions, review technical documentation, and safely operate equipment.
• Frequent interaction with CNC mills, lathes and other manufacturing equipment containing moving mechanical components.
• Regular exposure to machine oils, coolants, metal chips, lubricants, cleaning agents, and other manufacturing-related materials.
• Safety glasses with side shields and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in designated manufacturing areas.
• Noise levels are typically moderate to loud and may require hearing protection in designated areas.
• Requires routine use of computers and manufacturing software for reviewing work instructions, documenting production activities, accessing ERP systems, and recording inspection data.
• May work across multiple machining cells, equipment platforms, or departments based on production requirements and business needs.
• Occasional overtime may be required to support production schedules, customer commitments, and departmental objectives.

Disclaimer:

This job description reflects managements 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.

Compensation details: 26-29 Hourly Wage

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