Engineering Documentation Specialist 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.

Thorlabs Ultrafast Optoelectronics (UFO) located in Ann Arbor, MI is a division of Thorlabs chartered to develop high-speed photonics components and instrumentation. This position’s primary responsibility is to support the creation of product and manufacturing support documentation as well as assist with engineering related activities within Thorlabs’ Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system. This position will communicate effectively and interact with multiple stakeholders within the Thorlabs organization (Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Marketing, and Business Unit Leadership).

• Support the creation, maintenance, and release of assembly and testing documentation used by manufacturing to produce opto-electronic, electronic, and mechanical products under guidance from senior staff.

• Support Assembly Procedures (APs) and Test Procedures (TPs) from creation through engineering signoff and approval under guidance from senior staff.

• Photograph product assembly processes for documentation purposes.

• Work within the Thorlabs’ PLM system supporting the engineering team with product/part creation, maintenance, and obsolescence under guidance from senior staff.

• Support the creation, maintenance, and closure of Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) in Thorlabs’ PLM system under guidance from senior staff.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of user documentation, including user manuals, application notes, product data sheets, assembly instructions, and other customer-focused materials, to aid customers and users in learning and operating new products under guidance from senior staff.

• Coordinate with cross-functional departments to gather all necessary information to ensure product support documentation is complete.

• Ensure consistency and adherence to established documentation formats and guidelines while learning company standards.

• Provide assistance to other team members on documentation-related tasks as needed.

Experience:

• Entry Level to 4 years of experience in technical writing, manufacturing engineering, or configuration management.

Education:

• Associates degree (or higher) in Technical/Professional Writing, a related science/engineering field, or a minimum of 2 years of experience working as a Technical Writer for a manufacturing company.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have basic understanding of (or limited experience with) documenting common manufacturing processes (e.g. assembly instructions, test instructions, etc.).

• Must have basic understanding of (or limited experience with) creating effective and concise user-facing documentation.

• Must have basic understanding of (or limited experience with) PLM systems (e.g. Bluestar).

• Must be able to understand and follow PLM workflows to support creation & release of items, documentation, etc.

• Must have demonstrated in-depth experience with Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).

• Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, Sharepoint, or Manufacturing Execution Systems is a plus.

• Must be extremely detail oriented and highly organized.

• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced, start-up type environment requiring a self-motivated individual.

• This is an in-office position located in Ann Arbor, MI. Occasional travel (less than 20%) may be required.

The estimated pay range for this role is $69,000 - $ 76,000 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.

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.