Product Line Manager (Photonic Instrumentation)

The PLM owns the definition and execution of product roadmaps, go-to-market strategies, and portfolio optimization initiatives across a defined subset of Thorlabs’ benchtop instrumentation offerings spanning multiple Business Units (BUs) and legal entities. The Photonic Instrumentation Product Line Manager (PLM) is a member of the Office of the CTO (OCTO) and is accountable for driving the commercial success and strategic direction of Thorlabs’ Photonic Instrumentation portfolio.

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

The Photonic Instrumentation Product Line Manager (PLM) is a member of the Office of the CTO (OCTO) and is accountable for driving the commercial success and strategic direction of Thorlabs’ Photonic Instrumentation portfolio. The PLM owns the definition and execution of product roadmaps, go-to-market strategies, and portfolio optimization initiatives across a defined subset of Thorlabs’ benchtop instrumentation offerings spanning multiple Business Units (BUs) and legal entities.

The PLM works cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sales teams to identify growth opportunities, strengthen product positioning, and expand both standard product revenue and OEM/custom solutions.

While the position can be based out of these following locations; Jessup, MD, Newton, NJ, Ann Arbor, MI or Layfette, CO occasional travel to other Thorlabs locations is expected.

Essential Job Functions:

Portfolio Ownership & Strategic Steering

• Own and actively steer the Photonic Instrumentation portfolio across participating BUs, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and market requirements.
• Define, prioritize, and drive and govern roadmap execution, including new product development, product lifecycle management, and rationalization of underperforming offerings.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of market segmentation, competitive positioning, and Thorlabs’ relative strengths.
• Market Intelligence & Growth Leadership
• Lead market analysis efforts to identify trends, adjacencies, and whitespace opportunities, translating insights into actionable portfolio decisions.
• Drive initiatives to increase market share and wallet share within key accounts in close collaboration with Sales and Applications teams.
• Originate and lead strategic OEM and custom solution opportunities, coordinating efforts between customers and internal engineering/manufacturing teams.

Cross-Functional Alignment & Execution

• Act as the central decision-making and coordination point across BUs for the assigned portfolio, ensuring alignment on priorities, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Partner with Marketing and Tech Marketing to define and enforce high-quality, consistent digital content, specifications, and application positioning.
• Shape and guide a coherent tradeshow and business development strategy for the portfolio.

NPI Governance & Delivery

• Play a leading role in the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, including concept approval, prioritization, and design validation.
• Hold teams accountable to agreed development timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure that new product introductions are aligned with portfolio strategy and commercial objectives.
• Define, monitor, and report on key portfolio KPIs, including:
• New product introduction timelines
• R&D investment allocation and effectiveness
• Revenue growth and gross margin performance
• Take corrective actions where performance deviates from plan, including reprioritization of projects and resource reallocation.

Requirements

Experience:

10 years of photonics or test & measurement industry experience, with 3 years in product management.

Education:

Master’s degree in Photonics or a related filed.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Experienced with data research tools like PowerBI, Google Analytics, Sales Cubes
• Experience in enterprise scale ERP systems like D365
• Fluent in MS CRM
• Demonstrated strong business acumen through practice or formal education

Direct Reports: None

The estimated pay range for this role is $110,000 - $ 150,000 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.