Manufacturing Engineer 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 Manufacturing Engineer I is responsible for assisting in the improvement of production processes with guidance and support from senior engineers or supervisors. This role will help identify opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and resolve production issues, while gaining hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment. The Manufacturing Engineer I will work closely with experienced team members to learn standard practices, contribute to continuous improvement efforts, and support day-to-day production activities. Although the location of the position is in Morganville, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

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

• Collaborate with production personnel to troubleshoot issues during assembly and production. Assist in identifying parts that may be out of tolerance, worn or uncalibrated tooling/fixtures, and inaccuracies in work instructions.

• Participate in design reviews as requested to provide input on potential manufacturing challenges and supportability of new designs.

• Engage in internal and external training to build foundational skills in key areas such as Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, failure mode analysis, technical writing, quality measurement, and data collection.

• Support the transition of new products from design to production, including:

• Collecting production test data to verify product performance
• Ensuring test tools and equipment are properly maintained and functioning

• Assist in the creation and ongoing maintenance of product assembly work instructions to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency.

• Gather and analyze route time data to validate and refine product build time estimates for scheduling and costing purposes.

• Conduct incoming part inspection: optical, mechanical, electrical

• Develop and update processes to follow ISO compliance

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.

• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments. The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Requirements

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.

Qualifications Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in a relevant engineering position, or related position in a manufacturing environment.

Education:

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, or equivalent working experience.

• Proficient with Microsoft office products to generate assembly instruction documents, test plans and other communication documents.

• A good understanding of PLM systems and how they are used to maintain documents, drawings, test information and revision control.

• Experience with quality improvement tools and techniques (i.e., Failure Mode & Effects Analysis).

• Ability to work well in a group atmosphere and comply with high quality standards.

• Experience using standard measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, pin and thread gauges…. etc.)

• Strong attention to detail.

Other:

• Travel up to 5% of working time.

The salary range for this position is  $70,000 - $85,000 D.O.E.

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 identity 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.