Photonics Engineer I

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

• Design and optimize manufacturing processes for testing lasers and other photonics products.

• Perform incoming inspection, including testing, on various mechanical, optical, and electrical components and subassemblies.

• Implement and maintain quality control procedures to ensure products meet specifications and standards.

• Assemble and test fiber and free-space components, subassemblies and systems.

• Develop and maintain detailed documentation, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawings, assembly instructions and standard operating procedures through Thorlabs’s ERP system.

• Assist in training production staff.

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and product quality.

• Manage production schedules and ensure on-time shipments as required.

• Provide support to production and NPI teams as needed.

• Support sustaining engineering on existing products.

• Interface with customers to provide technical support.

• Install laser systems at customer site and train customers.

• Identify technological pathways for future products via theoretical and laboratory R&D.

• Interface with team members and customers to jointly determine customer needs and solutions.

• Understand and support quality policies and objectives.

Requirements

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years relevant industry experience with BS, OR 0-3 years relevant industry experience with advanced degree

• Practical experience with precision photonics measurements and instrumentation

• Experience building optical assemblies

Education:

• BS, MS, or PhD in an optics or physics-related engineering field

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with fiber optics and fiber components.

• Proficient optical and laser alignment skills

• Experience with optoelectronic device testing and automated data acquisition tools is preferred

• Experience in one of the following fields preferred: fiber lasers, optical amplifiers, ultrafast optics, and nonlinear optics

• Experience with data analysis software (MATLAB, Python, Excel, or similar)

• Strong analytical skills and real problem-solving experience

• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment

• High attention to detail

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment

• Effective written and oral communication

The estimated pay range for this role is $80,000 - $ 110,000 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benefits

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.