Applications Scientist I

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 Applications Scientist I serves as a key link between customers and the Laser Systems and Technology (LST) business unit by translating customer needs and market feedback into product requirements. This position bridges engineering, manufacturing, sales, and customers by testing and validating prototypes, supporting the production of complex laser systems, demonstrating product capabilities through customer demos and technical content, and capturing real-world feedback to guide continuous product improvement.

This role also provides hands-on support for product assembly and testing, enabling the scientist to deliver effective customer training, technical support, application development, and product demonstrations. Additionally, the role manages technical inquiries, maintains customer support records, and contributes to product innovation across applications such as laser spectroscopy, quantum technologies, and optical communications.

The position is based in Jessup, MD, and requires periodic travel to customer sites for installations and training, to trade shows to represent LST's products, and to other Thorlabs locations as needed.

• Design, build and develop application experiments and support documentation to enable effective product adoption and customer success.
• Plan and execute structured testing of prototypes and translate results into actionable engineering feedback for product improvement and future product development.
• Evaluate and benchmark prototype designs against competitive market solutions.
• Design and build compelling product demonstrations for tradeshows, customer visits, and internal reviews.
• Author technical whitepapers, application notes, and performance reports that clearly communicate product capabilities and advantages. \
• Provide technical support and training to customers, remotely or at the customer site, depending on the requirements for the specific product.
• Gather customer feedback, application challenges, and new product ideas through direct engagement at trade shows.
• Coordinate and deliver timely, high-quality responses to customer technical inquiries, ensuring accurate documentation in CRM systems.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, marketing, and sales to align product requirements, messaging, and go-to-market activities.
• Maintain accurate records of customer engagements, opportunities, and technical issues within ERP/CRM tools to support business visibility.
• Support production, characterization, and testing of complex spectroscopy and laser systems.