Manufacturing Engineering Technician

CooperVision; Village of Scottsville (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

CooperVision is a leading medical device manufacturer seeking a senior maintenance engineer to optimize manufacturing performance and reliability. You will address PLC-driven equipment, automation, and process issues, guiding teams across production, maintenance, and engineering.

Role emphasizes data-driven problem solving, project leadership, and collaboration with suppliers, with focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Minimal travel required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of maintenance experience with PLC-controlled equipment.
• Experience in automation, robotics, CNC, vision systems and manufacturing tech.
• Strong troubleshooting with root-cause analysis and problem resolution.
• Experience with preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.
• Ability to lead technical projects and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and improve manufacturing performance and product yield.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using data analysis and problem solving.
• Provide advanced technical support during equipment failures and disruptions.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and suppliers for improvements.
• Support IQ/OQ/PQ validations and equipment documentation.

Skills

PLC controls

Robotics

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Root-cause analysis

Education

Associate Degree in Electronics, Industrial Mechanics, Electromechanics, or related engineering

Equivalent apprenticeship or technical program

Tools

CAD tools

MS Office

Machine shop equipment

Job description

Job Description

The primary escalation point for complex manufacturing equipment, automation, and process performance issues. This position combines advanced troubleshooting, manufacturing data analysis, process optimization, controls support, project leadership, and engineering collaboration to improve equipment reliability, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency. The role provides technical leadership across production, maintenance, and engineering teams while supporting continuous improvement and automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

Process Monitoring & Optimization

• Monitor product yield and manufacturing performance in Dry and Wet production areas.
• Analyze manufacturing, downtime, scrap, yield, and equipment performance data to identify trends and drive corrective actions.
• Support and lead process improvement initiatives using data analysis and statistical problem-solving methods.
• Assist with equipment and process validations, including IQ/OQ/PQ activities.

Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Serve as the primary escalation resource for complex electrical, mechanical, controls, automation, and process-related issues.
• Troubleshoot and resolve failures involving PLCs, robotics, vision systems, CNC equipment, and manufacturing systems.
• Provide advanced technical support and guidance to production and maintenance teams.
• Partner with maintenance teams to identify root causes and long-term corrective actions for equipment reliability issues.

Technical Support & Collaboration

• Serve as the technical leader for complex manufacturing, equipment, automation, and process-related issues.
• Provide technical leadership during equipment failures, manufacturing disruptions, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Influence technical decisions through analysis, risk assessment, and solution recommendations.
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers, vendors, and other CooperVision sites to resolve technical issues and implement improvements.
• Communicate equipment, process, and shift-related changes across teams and shifts.

Continuous Improvement & Engineering Support

• Lead small-to-medium manufacturing improvement projects focused on quality, productivity, reliability, and cost reduction.
• Support automation, controls, tooling, and equipment enhancement initiatives using engineering and CAD tools to improve manufacturing performance.

Training & Leadership

• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to technicians, operators, and maintenance personnel.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer of new equipment, controls changes, and process improvements.
• Provide leadership support during operational disruptions and critical manufacturing events.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate maintenance, repair, and process records in accordance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Update technical drawings, equipment documentation, and maintenance procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO), safety standards, and company policies.
• Document equipment changes, maintenance activities, and process modifications.

Travel Requirement

This position may require local or global travel as needed, less than 5% to none annually.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of injection molding, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, electromechanical systems, and manufacturing automation processes.
• Experience troubleshooting complex electrical, mechanical, automation, and process-related issues with a focus on root-cause analysis and problem resolution.
• Knowledge of predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance practices.
• Proficiency with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), preferably Allen Bradley systems.
• Experience with servo motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), AC/DC motors, sensors, pneumatic cylinders, CNC equipment, industrial robots, vision systems, and laser marking systems.
• Ability to interpret schematics, technical drawings, and process control tools.
• Skilled in the use of CAD, computer systems, MS Office applications, hand tools, power tools, machine shop equipment, and building systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively managing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound technical judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and safety standards.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate technical information.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to train, mentor, and collaborate across multiple departments and levels of the organization.

Work Environment

This position operates in a manufacturing environment that involves working with automated production equipment and moving mechanical systems. The role is primarily performed indoors within controlled Class 8 environments, having moderate to high noise levels, and occasional exposure to chemicals and solvents.

• Familiar working in environment utilizing precision automated equipment.
• Climate controlled medical device manufacturing environment.
• Occasional exposure to common chemicals and solvents used to maintain automation equipment and work area.
• Perform moderate physical activities – standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and climbing.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Spends majority of the workday standing and walking throughout the manufacturing facility.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of maintenance experience supporting PLC-controlled equipment, electrical systems, mechanical systems, automation controls, and related manufacturing technologies.
• Experience supporting process optimization and manufacturing performance improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading technical projects or coordinating cross-functional improvement efforts.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and repairing complex manufacturing equipment, including electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electromechanical systems.
• Hands‑on experience with preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.
• Experience analyzing process performance, identifying root causes, and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Ability to support equipment validation, process improvement initiatives, and manufacturing optimization efforts.
• Experience in highly automated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of PLC controls, robotics, CNC equipment, vision systems, and industrial automation technologies.
• Experience collaborating with engineering teams, equipment suppliers, and cross‑functional manufacturing organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to technicians and operators.

Education

• Associate Degree in Electronics, Industrial Mechanics, Electromechanics, or Industrial, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or completion of a technical program in a related technical field.

Equivalent Qualification in lieu of Degree

• Successful completion of a recognized apprenticeship program, military technical training program, or trade school, combined with significant hands‑on manufacturing experience will be considered.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience in medical device, electronics, pharmaceutical, or similar manufacturing environments demonstrating progressive experience in maintenance, automation, controls, electrical, &/or mechanical systems may be considered.

The hourly pay range for this position is $36.00 to $48.00 per hour. Compensation offered will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and education.

About Us

CooperVision is a global leader in the contact lens industry, dedicated to helping improve the way people see every day. Achieving that goal takes the collaboration of team members with wide-ranging skills; from scientists and researchers, to manufacturing and operations experts, to sales and marketing professionals.

At CooperVision, our effort to improve lives begins with our employees. We are committed to developing people as a key global differentiator and our most important asset. We empower employees to succeed, rewarding great thinking and hard work with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and with a special focus on wellness. Our commitment to our core values and an employee‑centric culture fuel a deeply engaged, high performing organization.

CooperVision employees pride themselves on being proactive, innovative, flexible and friendly. That's a strong reflection of our corporate culture—and part of the reason CooperVision may be a great workplace for you.