Manufacturing Engineer I

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 position is responsible to help oversee and improve the production process for the division, develop and teach assembly techniques, improve manufacturing process issues, solve production related problems, and promote quality throughout production and related departments. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

The Thorlabs Advanced Photonics (TAP) Business Unit has several production departments requiring similar and specialized areas of expertise. A Manufacturing Engineer would be assigned to a specific department but might be involved in projects in other departments or business units as the need arises. These areas include (Optical Shop, Coating, Fiber Draw, Fiber Cabling, Opto-Mechanical Assembly, Metrology)

Essential Job Functions for all Mfr. Engineers include the following, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for identifying problems and providing solutions for manufacturing issues relating to newly released products, as well as established production workflow.
• Plan production layouts helping to facilitate lean manufacturing and six sigma standards.
• Participate in design reviews with the engineering department to help identify and discuss proper procedures and potential issues with newly developed products prior to releasing for production.
• Conduct training in collaboration with production personnel to continue improving on existing manufacturing and testing processes throughout the division.
• Interface with engineering and operations to ensure transfer to production of new product releases are in accordance with the approved release processes, requirements, and specifications.
• Collaborate with the RMA and service departments to help inspect and disposition customer returns from the field. Identify and assist in implementing root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent future failures.
• Create and maintain manufacturing process documents to reflect current and future conditions.
• Collaborate with technicians and assembly personnel to make necessary changes or revisions to assembly, test, and alignment procedures for TAP products.
• Create necessary jigs and fixtures to improve production efficiency or reduce component damage and waste.
• Assist in completing engineering changes identified through prototype and pilot runs to increase product manufacturability.
• Help create and maintain production routing steps and timing.
• Assist in Rev Control and documentation verification.
• Keep current with newest manufacturing techniques within the industry and look for opportunities to implement.
• Ensure production techniques and capacity scale with growing demand of 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 tool

Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a relevant engineering position, or related position in a manufacturing environment desired. Design for Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing experience a plus.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering (Optical, Mechanical, Production, etc.), or equivalent

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic computer knowledge such as, but not limited to, SolidWorks, Microsoft products, and Axapta.
• Experience with manufacturing, configuration management, and product development in an R&D / New Product Development Environment.
• Experience with quality improvement tools and techniques (i.e., Lean, Six Sigma, Process Control, and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis).
• Familiarity with the application of optics and/or the fabrication of glasses and crystal used to create optical components.
• Strong 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: Must be able to work on ITAR restricted projects.

Salary range for this position is $69,185.00 - $93.940.00 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

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..