Title
Manufacturing Operations Supervisor
Department
Operations
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:
The Manufacturing Operations Supervisor is a mid-level leadership role dedicated to guiding people, strengthening culture, and ensuring seamless product flow across our Vast manufacturing operations. This position is intentionally designed as a general supervisor role, giving you the flexibility to step into our manufacturing environment and grow into the area where your leadership style and strengths make the greatest impact.
We believe leadership is about service. In this role, you'll focus on empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where people can thrive. You'll be the bridge between our workforce and our operational goals-removing obstacles, aligning priorities, and ensuring that every team member feels supported and valued.
Success here isn't measured only by metrics, but by the strength of the culture you help build. You'll champion servant leadership by listening first, coaching with empathy, and leading by example. At the same time, you'll steadily deepen your understanding of our products and processes, ensuring that operational excellence is achieved through both people and flow.
You Will:
Support and empower technicians and operators, ensuring they have the tools, training, and encouragement to succeed.
Build strong relationships, mentor team members, and foster a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Oversee production execution across multiple work cells or shifts, ensuring smooth transitions and timely delivery of customer orders.
Collaborate with planning and scheduling teams to align resources with delivery targets.
Uphold standards for precision optics manufacturing, cleanroom practices, and workplace safety.
Provide feedback, lead training initiatives, and support career growth for technicians and operators.
Monitor KPIs such as yield, cycle time, and labor efficiency, and lead lean/5S initiatives to improve flow and reduce waste.
Partner with engineers, supply chain, and quality teams to improve processes and ensure materials, tools, and equipment are available.
Assist with interviewing, onboarding, and succession planning to build a strong pipeline of talent.
You Have:
5+ years in manufacturing leadership or team supervision, with a proven ability to lead people and manage priorities.
A genuine commitment to supporting others, building trust, and leading by example.
High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree in optics, engineering, manufacturing technology, or related field preferred.
Familiarity with ERP systems, scheduling, and basic production metrics.
High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree in optics, engineering, manufacturing technology, or a related field is strongly preferred.
Strong interpersonal skills, decision-making ability, and a collaborative approach.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Supervisory Leadership credentials are a plus.
Please note: Professional reference checks are a mandatory part of our hiring process. References will be requested from candidates who advance past the interview stage
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."
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;
Wellness: Health, dental, vision & life insurance;
Balance: 11 paid holidays, generous paid vacation and sick -time;
Culture: an energetic, caring, fun, value-driven team.
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, crouch: and talk and hear.
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.
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 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.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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 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.
