What is the job?

The ideal candidate will be expected to generate new business, including lead qualification and solution development in many areas of the photonics industry. Activities include frequent communication with the customer (specifications, pricing, product availability, services, etc), contract negotiation, and coordination of design and manufacturing resources for custom solutions.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available)

Department: Sales

Interview process: process following shortlisting - 30 minute Values screening / First stage: 1 Hour Teams interview W/C 20.07.2026

Second stage: Onsite 3 hour interview 

Requirements:

·      Master’s Degree in Physics, optics, chemistry, engineering 

•                     First-hand experience with either optical setups, laboratory environments or photonics equipment ESSENTIAL

•                     Excellent written and verbal communication skills with internal and external customers

•                     Fluent in English

•                     Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

•                     Strong data analysis and reporting skills

•                     Must be comfortable with presenting concepts to a large audience

•                     Ability to work in a multidisciplinary project team to drive projects through to completion

•                     Ability to multitask, time manage and work independently

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

It’s a hybrid role, working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely as well as your home.​ Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

•                     Technical advice and support for our international customers, from research and industry, with a focus on pre-sale enquiries

•                     Leverage industry expertise and strong customer relationships to identify additional business opportunity as existing customers’ needs grow

•                     Find new markets/ industries for Thorlabs to support

•                     Manage the sales pipeline within CRM, from qualification to close

•                     Provide market feedback to R&D and Marketing Communication groups

•                     Present equipment demonstrations and interact with customers at conferences and trade fairs

When required, visit customers alongside the outside sales team to provide technical expertise

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-2019

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. 

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

Benefits

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail recruitment@thorlabs.com.

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.