Optical component and assembly manufacturer Rochester Precision Optics (RPO) has appointed John Deegan its director of technology for R&D. Reporting to the vice president of engineering, Deegan assumes the leadership role in RPO’s R&D group charged with advancing new materials science and advanced technologies in applied optics and photonics. “John has been an incredible leader within the RPO engineering apparatus since the company’s inception in 2005 and is perfectly suited to take the helm in our formal R&D group, where he will lead an outstanding team of scientists that are focused on the future of RPO products and services,” said Blair Unger, vice president of engineering. As one of the original members of RPO, Deegan has advanced RPO’s precision glass molding division. Most recently, he served as the engineering manager, leading a team of experienced mechanical engineers with a focus on developing new molding technology and advanced systems integration of molded optics. Prior to his role at RPO, Deegan served 18 years as an engineer at Eastman Kodak Co.’s optical imaging systems business unit. “I now have an amazing group of scientists to work with and lead forward to shape the future products, processes, and technologies available to the industry,” Deegan said. “I cannot be more excited for the future.” Deegan received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. RPO specializes in the design and high-volume fabrication of optical solutions for defense markets.