Specials Engineering Supervisor

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.

Purpose of the Position

The position oversees a team of Specials Engineers within the Manufacturing Engineering group with the intent improving the production process for the division, teaching assembly techniques, improving manufacturing process issues, solving production related problems, and promoting 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.

Essential Job Functions

• Supervises a team of Specials Engineers ensuring compliance to company standards and developing their skillset to promote career growth

• Fulfills all regular Specials Engineer duties and completes required efforts in a timely manner. Includes performing more complex duties and larger scale initiatives

• Organizes, supervises, leads and trains employees to complete projects within established guidelines and time frames

• Ensure management needs are met and maintained.

• Advise supervisor of work status, workload, problems and progress as related to work assignments

• Identify processes that can be corrected or improved upon and bring to the attention of the division with the likely outcome of leading the initiative

• Supports R&D and product development projects

• Reviews requests for custom products

• Leads project review to management

• Complies with all company policies and procedures and safety requirements, including crewmember discipline and documentation.

• Participates in the recruiting process as necessary to maintain sufficient staffing of team

• Project management of advanced technical skill level projects

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Qualifications

Experience:

Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar and progressive position with supervisory/leadership experience preferred.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related engineering disciplines. Master’s degree preferred.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with SolidWorks modeling software.

• Proficiency in macro generation through use of Visual Basic for Applications.

• Familiarity with optical modeling software, specifically Zemax and TFCalc.

• Demonstrated technical background in such fields as optics, fiber optics, mechanical design, laser optics, polarization and telecommunications.

• Knowledge of current optical and fiber optics design, fabrication, techniques.

• Strong project management skills with a deep sense of ownership.

• Strong ability to take initiative.

• Demonstrated innovation.

• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment.

• Strong organizational skills and aptitude for preparedness.

The estimated pay range for this role is $99,200 - $ 130,460 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.

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.