Thin Film Coating Supervisor

Title	Thin Film Coating Supervisor
Department	Coating
Reports to	Operations Manager

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!

Position Overview:

The Thin Film Coating Supervisor is responsible for assisting the coating manager with leading day-to-day production activities within the coating department, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with production schedules and quality requirements. This role provides direct leadership and support to coating technicians and operators while maintaining close coordination with engineering, quality, planning, and operations teams. The position plays a key role in driving departmental performance through employee development, process discipline, schedule execution, and consistent floor presence. The ideal candidate brings prior experience within thin film optical coating or vacuum deposition manufacturing environments, combined with strong communication skills, sound decision-making, and the ability to lead teams within a fast-paced production setting. This role works closely with coating engineering and technical leadership to support process stability, troubleshoot production issues, improve throughput, and maintain high standards for product quality and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Production & Department Leadership

• Assist the coating manager in leading day-to-day coating department operations to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and delivery commitments are achieved safely and efficiently. 
• Supervise coating technicians and operators, maintaining accountability for performance, attendance, productivity, and adherence to established procedures. 
• Coordinate staffing, production priorities, and coating chamber utilization to support throughput and operational efficiency. 
• Maintain consistent floor presence to support employees, address production concerns, and ensure process compliance. 

Operational & Technical Oversight

• Support troubleshooting of coating process, equipment, and production issues in collaboration with coating engineering and technical leadership. 
• Monitor yield, scrap, rework, and process performance to identify issues and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure compliance with work instructions, contamination control practices, ISO procedures, HSE requirements, and department standards. 
• Coordinate preventative maintenance activities, equipment readiness, tooling organization, and department housekeeping. 

Employee Development & Continuous Improvement

• Train, coach, and develop coating personnel on equipment operation, production processes, inspection methods, and department expectations. 
• Support onboarding, cross-training, and skills development while reinforcing accountability, teamwork, and safe work practices. 
• Partner with planning, engineering, quality, operations, and HR to support staffing needs, resolve production constraints, and improve overall department performance. 
• Maintain accurate production documentation, labor tracking, and departmental records as required.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree, technical certification, or coursework in optics, engineering technology, materials science, or a related technical field is beneficial but not required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience within a thin film coating, vacuum deposition, optics manufacturing, or similar precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a manufacturing environment, including experience leading technicians, operators, or production teams in a lead, supervisory, or formal people leadership capacity.
• Proven ability to support employee accountability, coordinate production activities, reinforce process discipline, and maintain performance standards within a fast-paced production environment.
• Working knowledge of thin film coating processes, vacuum deposition equipment, contamination control practices, and production workflows within a precision manufacturing setting.
• Strong mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve day-to-day production and equipment-related issues.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, work instructions, specifications, and production documentation.
• Experience working within production environments driven by schedule attainment, yield, quality, and throughput expectations.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead employees, reinforce accountability, and work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, planning, and operations teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within ISO-regulated or process-controlled manufacturing environments is beneficial.
• Proficiency with standard computer systems and production documentation tools; prior ERP/MRP experience is a plus.

 

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 controlled manufacturing environment requiring adherence to contamination control practices, including the use of protective garments such as frocks and hair coverings.
• Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and cleanroom garments.
• Position involves a combination of standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods, along with occasional stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
• Frequent use of hands for handling and inspecting small components requiring fine motor coordination and dexterity.
• Sustained visual focus is required, including close-up and magnified work, with the ability to identify fine details and adjust as needed.
• Regular use of computers and standard assembly or inspection tools
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Work may shift between stations and may require schedule flexibility, including overtime or weekend work based on production needs.

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/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.

This position is scheduled for Monday through Friday, 7am - 3:30pm and requires consistent on-site presence to support coating department operations, production personnel, and daily manufacturing activities. As a production leadership role, schedule flexibility is expected based on business needs, including support for overtime, staffing coverage, production priorities, equipment issues, or off-shift coordination when required.