About this Photonics Engineer I role at Thorlabs
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.
• 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.












Contributed Pension Scheme
Group Life Cover
Private Health Care
Child Care Vouchers
Group Income Protection and more.