CNC Operator 1 - B Shift

Rochester Precision Optics; Bailey (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance

PTO & holidays

Life insurance

Job summary

Rochester Precision Optics seeks a CNC Operator 1 to run mills and lathes in a high-volume, low-mix environment. You will load materials, monitor production, and perform basic inspections to ensure parts meet specifications.

Must have CNC experience, blueprint reading, and tool measurement skills. Training on 1st shift precedes transition to 2nd shift with a 5% differential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience operating CNC mills or lathes in manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints and understand tolerances.
• Familiarity with standard inspection tools is preferred.
• Basic machining concepts including feeds, speeds, and tool wear.
• Ability to follow established work instructions reliably.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC mills and lathes using existing programs and setups.
• Load/unload raw materials, fixtures, and finished parts.
• Monitor machine operation and part quality during runs.
• Make basic tool offset or feed/speed adjustments when trained.
• Inspect parts with calipers, micrometers, and height gauges.
• Complete production and inspection paperwork per procedures.
• Report quality or equipment issues to supervision.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and perform basic maintenance.
• Occasionally work overtime to support production needs.

Skills

CNC experience

Blueprint reading

Inspection tools

Machining basics

Follow work instructions

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Job description

About this position

Title

CNC Operator 1

Department

Machine Shop

Reports to

Machine Shop Manager

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 to work on market-leading programs across a variety of industries.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 2:00 PM-10:30 PM. New hires will complete approximately 4-6 weeks of training on 1st Shift before transitioning to 2nd Shift. Includes a 5% shift differential.

Position Overview:

A CNC Operator is responsible for running CNC mills and lathes to produce quality parts by following established setups, work instructions, and inspection requirements. This role focuses on loading material, operating machines safely, monitoring production, and ensuring parts meet specifications using basic measurement tools. Work is performed in a low-mix, high-volume setting where repeatability, attention to detail, and adherence to process are critical. The operator is responsible for monitoring machine operation, performing basic in-process inspection using standard measurement tools, and identifying and escalating issues that impact quality or production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate CNC mills and lathes using existing programs, setups, and work instructions.
• Load and unload raw materials, fixtures, and finished parts to support continuous production.
• Monitor machine operation and part quality during production runs, identifying issues such as tool wear, dimensional variation, or machine abnormalities.
• Make basic adjustments such as tool offsets or feed/speed changes when trained and authorized.
• Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other standard measuring tools to verify conformance to specifications.
• Accurately complete production and inspection documentation in accordance with internal procedures.
• Communicate quality or equipment issues to supervision or technical leads for resolution.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and perform routine operator-level maintenance tasks.
• Be available for occasional overtime to support production needs.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Prior experience operating CNC mills or lathes in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read basic blueprints and understand part dimensions and tolerances.
• Familiarity with standard inspection tools. (e.g., calipers, micrometers, height gauges)
• Basic understanding of machining concepts, including feeds, speeds, and tool wear.
• Ability to follow established work instructions and perform tasks consistently in a production environment.

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 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.

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:

Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with CNC equipment, involving exposure to moving machinery, moderate to loud noise, and materials such as oils, coolants, and cleaning agents.

• Requires extended periods of standing and active machine operation, including frequent use of hands for loading parts, operating controls, and handling components.
• Regular movement between workstations may be required to support production flow.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, is required.
• Basic computer use is required for documentation and production tracking.

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

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/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.

Salary Information

$22 - $26Hourly Wage