Engineering Technician I - Modifications at Thorlabs in Newton, NJ

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

Modifications Focused Role

• Implement assigned drawing and documentation modifications.
• Interact with production personnel to define and solve manufacturing/design issues and implement cost reduction ideas with regard to company products.

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.

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.