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.

Experience:

1-3 years of hands-on experience with optical instrumentation either in academia or industry.

Education:

Bachelor's degree (BS), or higher in Physics, Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Material Sciences

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

The following are required:

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in application development and customer support is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. The following are preferred but not required:
• Hands-on experience with laser systems, optical components, optical system alignment and testing.
• Experience with the design and use of optical frequency comb systems
• Experience using vendor software packages and chemometric packages used for spectroscopy.
• Experience with software for data acquisition and data processing.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations.

Travel Requirements: This position requires traveling within the US as well as internationally to support system installations, customer demos and trade shows. The travelling is typically about 10% and is not to exceed 15%.

The estimated salary range for this role is $80,000 - $ 90,000 yearly.

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.