Manufacturing Engineer I, Optical Metrology

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

The position is responsible to help oversee and improve the metrology equipment and methods employed in the production process for the division, develop and teach testing techniques, improve manufacturing process issues, solve production related problems, and promote quality throughout production and related departments.

Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

The Thorlabs Advanced Photonics (TAP) Business Unit has several production departments requiring similar and specialized areas of expertise. A Manufacturing Engineer (Mfr. Engineer) would be assigned to a specific department but might be involved in projects in other departments or business units as the need arises. These areas include (Optical Shop, Coating, Fiber Draw, Fiber Cabling, Opto-Mechanical Assembly, Metrology)

• Responsible for identifying problems and providing solutions for manufacturing issues relating to newly released products, as well as established production workflow.
• Participate in design reviews with the engineering department to help identify and discuss proper testing procedures and potential issues with newly developed products prior to releasing for production.
• Conduct training in collaboration with production personnel to continue improving on existing manufacturing and testing processes throughout the division.
• Interface with engineering and operations to ensure transfer to production of new product releases are in accordance with the approved release processes, requirements, and specifications.
• Collaborate with the RMA and service departments to help inspect and find root failures causes for customer returns from the field. Identify and assist in implementing corrective actions to prevent future failures.
• Create and maintain testing process documents to reflect current and future conditions.
• Collaborate with technicians and assembly personnel to make necessary changes or revisions to assembly and test procedures for TAP products.
• Create necessary jigs and fixtures to create or improve testing methods, efficiency or reduce component damage and waste.
• Assist in completing engineering changes identified through prototype and pilot runs to increase product manufacturability.
• Help create and maintain production routing steps and timing
• Assist in Rev Control and documentation verification
• Keep current with newest metrology techniques and equipment within the industry and look for opportunities to implement.

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a relevant engineering position, or related position in a manufacturing environment desired. Design for Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing experience a plus.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Engineering (Optical, Mechanical, Production, etc.), or equivalent

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic computer knowledge such as, but not limited to, SolidWorks and Microsoft products.
• Experience with optical metrology methods and equipment such as power meter, spectrophotometer, profilometer, interferometer, ellipsometer
• Experience with manufacturing, configuration management, and product development in an R&D / New Product Development Environment.
• Experience with quality improvement tools and techniques (i.e., Lean, Six Sigma, Process Control, and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis).
• Familiarity with the application of optics and/or the fabrication of glasses and crystal used to create optical components.
• Strong ability to work well in a group atmosphere and comply with high-quality standards
• Experience using standard measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, pin and thread gauges….etc.)

Must be able to work on ITAR restricted projects.

The estimated pay range for this role is $71,000 - $ 80,000 annually depending on experience

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.