Engineering Technician I, Specials

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.

This position is for a candidate interested in pursuing a career path in Engineering for high technology product lines in Precision Optics and Specialty Fiber Optics.  The Engineering Technician will assist with product development, maintenance, and quality related tasks under the direct supervision of engineers. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, it may be required to travel to various locations including other Thorlabs entities and customer/vendor locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Assist in supporting the product line with a willingness to learn about products relating to thin film coatings, lenses, fiber optics, polarization optics, prisms, gratings, opto-mechanics, collimators, isolators, spectroscopy accessories, microscopy sub-assemblies, etc.
• Prepare solid models and technical drawings, generate controlled documents, and input data based on design proposals. 
• Formalize technical data such as qualification test procedures, acceptance test procedures, reports, component maintenance manuals, etc.
• Perform liaison function between engineering team and all manufacturing operations for any related issues, problems, or improvements.
• Interact with vendors and purchasers concerning supplied and proposed components, services and equipment.
• Responsible for changes and issues resulting from projects worked on.
• Assists lab testing, manufacturing, quality, and planning as required.
• Advise supervisor of work status, workload, problems and progress as related to work assignments.

Specials Focused Role

• Create Item numbers and Bills of Materials (BOMs) and enter into database
• Implement drawing and documentation modifications and complete formal Engineering Change documentation
• Aid engineers and production in testing and collection of data to support proof-of-concept and new product development

• Communicate with internal production teams to establish labor estimates for new products

Physical Activities:

Work may be active, could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Employees must grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts and components that are often very small. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, may be noisy at times. Must be able to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as but not limited to masks, glasses, gloves, and specialty garments. The required PPE and training allow for the safe handling and processing of chemicals like adhesives, lubricants and solvents, and safe operation of job-related equipment and tools.  

Experience:

• Entry level to 2 years of industry experience or related coursework

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent. 
• Work experience in an Engineering or Manufacturing environment preferred.
• Advantageous having a technical degree, preferably in or relating to Drafting, Manufacturing, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Quality but not required.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficiency in basic computer programs (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) and web tools
• Proficiency in comprehending and generating technical drawings
• Familiar with ERP software and data entry
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work well in a group environment through good written and verbal communication skills
• Possess basic mechanical aptitude and use of hand tools
• Clear sense of ownership and ability to work independently
• Comfortable shifting between tasks to accommodate changing production needs creating dynamic priorities

Preferred

• Experience with 3-D modeling applications, ideally Solidworks, and best practices
• Proficient with documentation such as ECRO’s, Item Master, BoMs, and Routes
• Hands-on experience with optics including alignment, measurement, and testing
• Experience using metrology equipment including calipers, interferometers, spectrophotometers, microscopes, lab setups, and other devices
• Background in Six Sigma, Lean Quality Control, or SPC

Hourly pay range for this position is $22.00 - $33.50 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..