If you combine outstanding communication skills with new product development experience and the technical ability (e.g. experience with polymer processing, injection molding, compounding, etc.) to perform experiments related to product proof of concept and feasibility, the role of R&D Engineer Technician with Essilor of America offers you some compelling opportunities. You will:

• Expand your skills and experience as you work with a talented local R&D team with knowledgeable and highly experienced scientists and engineers who will train and mentor you. Leadership is invested in the professional growth of team members.
• Play a key role on the team as you execute hands-on work that supports innovative programs and studies. You'll also have the opportunity to share your strong ideas.
• Enjoy diversity and wide exposure as you interact with our global R&D team in China, France, Ireland, Thailand, Singapore, and USA. You'll also work locally with Manufacturing and other stakeholders. Quick question for you - click here
• Support a brand that stands above the rest, thanks to consistent investment in innovation.
• Join an organization driven by a threefold mission: Improving lives by improving sight, innovating for better vision, and reaching the 2.7 billion underserved.
• Earn competitive compensation, a yearly bonus opportunity and outstanding benefits.

Improving Lives by Improving Sight. Essilor of America, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of eyeglass lenses in the United States, employs more than 8,000 people and operates the largest and most comprehensive optical laboratory network in the U.S. Essilor of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Paris-based Essilor International. Essilor manufactures optical lenses under the Varilux®, Crizal®, Transitions®, and other brands, and our products are worn by one billion people daily. Essilor has been on Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Innovative Companies every year since 2010, and we ranked #62 out of 700 corporations awarded the title "Diversity Leader 2020" by the Financial Times.

To meet the basic qualification for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. In addition, to be a good fit for the R&D Engineer Technician opportunity, you will have:

• Knowledge and hands-on experience in thermoplastic processing including injection molding, compounding, extrusion, FDM 3D printing, film lamination, and thermoforming
• A 2-year technical certificate or associate's (A.A.) degree in a relevant technical field (Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, etc.) with 2-4 years of related technical work experience OR 7-10 years of practical experience with relevant equipment and processes  Quick question for you - click here
• Ability to document process and experimental results with proper lab notebook entries, technical memos, and give presentations
• Knowledge of more than one additional complementary technologies, such as pneumatics, electrical systems, electronics, controls, etc.
• Basic understanding of the Microsoft Office programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• General math skills including ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and understand decimal numerical sequencing
• Knowledge of Essilor cosmetic lens inspection techniques is a plus

In addition to your technical skills and experience, success will require the following core competencies and characteristics:

• Demonstrate a spirit of innovation; willing to suggest and ability to support the implementation of modifications to existing equipment and processes used in the innovation process  
• Ability to work with all members of working groups, skill levels and expertise in an international environment
• Proactive in learning about all technologies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate effectively in a team environment
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Demonstrated sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Flexibility in work assignments to accommodate group and individual goals
• Physical ability to stand for long periods of time in the lab
• Ability to use close vision, color vision, depth perception and to adjust focus
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally on occasion (up to 5%)

You will work a standard day shift in the lab, but we are following stringent COVID-19 safety precautions including masks, limited people in the facility, extensive cleaning and more. Safety is paramount.

Reporting to the Principal Scientist, you will join a local research team (part of our global R&D team) including R&D technicians, engineers and scientists responsible for the development of new products and processes in ophthalmic lens manufacturing. As Technician II, you will work under the direction of scientists and engineers, leveraging your practical experience, hands-on ability, and academic training to support new product development by carrying out experiments. You will prepare materials, run equipment, and modify processes to create functional lens prototypes, especially for proof of concept and feasibility. Your specific tasks will include:

• Assisting other R&D technical personnel by performing critical tasks including, but not limited to, modifying processes and equipment, preparing materials, conducting experiments, and creating prototypes
• Writing complex work instructions to support existing and new processes and procedures
• Supporting planning and conducting internal audits for test methods, equipment, and quality documentation system
• Implementing and utilizing standard and customized devices which occasionally require conducting routine chemical, physical and mechanical testing, troubleshooting, and various levels of lens inspections
• Generating summary reports, and identifying trends and observations  
• Coordinating and scheduling work to be done for internal customers
• Tracking reference consumables inventory and ordering needed materials in a timely manner, to run and maintain stock injection molding and extrusion processes without interruption
• Performing, tracking and documenting equipment, process validations and calibrations with minimal direction
• Participating in Technical Risk analysis, test plan building, concept evaluations and feasibilities
• Planning and performing equipment or process service and maintenance, with supervisor and program manager's input, to optimize availability for priority program support

Additionally, you will:

• Work independently on directed tasks, with an action-oriented mindset, a spirit of openness, and a high level of communication
• Provide training to other team members as needed
• Support innovative activities linked to programs or studies
• Continuously propose ideas for local improvements
• Provide input toward successful design of experiments
• Maintain and support a safe and healthy work environment
• Understand and utilize the R&D program methodology
• Build networks and internal partnerships within the organization
• Always practice safe work practices, abiding by all federal, local and company regulations and wearing appropriate PPE (e.g. safety eyewear, lab coats, safety shoes, etc.)

Note: This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.
 

Autonomy and support
We'll give you the elbowroom you need to succeed, and as previously noted, you'll also have plenty of support. You'll also enjoy the resources of an industry leader -- our merger with Luxottica has given us an unmatched global footprint in the eyewear industry.

Great environment
You will join a team that includes dedicated, sharp and mutually supportive professionals. Our culture is entrepreneurial and fresh, backed by 170 years of success. 

Truly living our values
At Essilor, we believe everyone deserves to see life and all its detail with the best vision possible. That's why, in addition to designing, manufacturing and distributing quality vision care solutions worldwide, we invest in raising awareness of the importance of good vision, support eyecare professionals, invent new technologies and products, and support philanthropic initiatives. We also are committed to robust standards for environmental sustainability. These are just a couple of reasons we were one of the 52 companies named to Fortune magazine's 2019 Change the World list.

Excellent compensation
In addition to competitive compensation and bonus potential, we offer an exceptional mix of first-rate benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans; a 401(k) plan with company match; tuition reimbursement; comprehensive training through Essilor University; lens and frame benefits for you and your family; an employee stock purchase plan with company match; and more.

Room to grow
Though you could be happy and challenged in this role for years to come, with Essilor you can grow your skills and your career through both lateral and vertical moves. Choices will depend on your education, skill and ambition. For example, in time, you may choose to relocate to one of our other R&D sites, pursue opportunities outside of R&D or even use our tuition reimbursement program to finish your bachelor's degree and step up to an Engineer I role. 

Video: As part of the #DifferenceMakers campaign, Essilor chose four eyecare professionals and three Essilor employees to participate in a mission trip to Southeast Asia in March 2019.

To excel in this role, you will complement your technical skills with strong critical thinking skills and the ability to accurately communicate data. Writing complex work instructions, documentation and reporting critical to positive outcomes. Scientists and engineers will put the data to work, but you must deliver accurate and comprehensive reporting.

Upon joining us, you will immediately begin learning the team, our processes and products. We understand that there will be a learning curve, and you'll have support, but we'll also look to you to be proactive about getting up to speed quickly. Likewise, when you’re fully trained and new technicians join our growing team, you’ll support their learning.
 
Those who succeed at Essilor are open, proactive and have a strong motivation to contribute as a team member. While we have strong camaraderie and enjoy our roles, we also take pride in delivering results. You should establish yourself as a reliable, positive, and trusted colleague.

In addition, in order to be an outstanding R&D Engineer Technician, you will:

• Interact effectively with a wide variety of personalities in a culturally diverse environment
• Pay close attention to details, but also understand the bigger picture and how the details fit into it
• Achieve goals independently, but also know when to ask for help
• Take the initiative to ask questions and find the information you need
• Manage multiple activities and priorities effectively
• Keep an eye out for ways to improve processes