Photonics Engineer I

Purpose of the Position

This position is responsible for supporting product development and manufacturing of optoelectronic products including lasers, amplifiers, superluminescent diodes, gain chips, and modulators, and modules that contain several of these types of components. Responsibilities include the transfer of new products into manufacturing and supporting manufacturing to ensure functionality, quality, cost, and schedule. 

The position involves working with a multi-disciplinary team of engineers including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, software/database engineers, manufacturing personnel, and other electro-optic engineers to ensure that designs and manufacturing techniques will yield products that meet the customers’ specifications. Although the location of the position is in Jessup, MD, 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:

• Development of new products, and support of the products release to manufacturing and to the market
• Documentation of information related to new products, including generation of the documents needed for the product release processes (e.g., test reports, spec sheets, work instructions)
• Development of methods and procedures to build and test new product designs, including providing documentation to support implementation in manufacturing
• Interface with team members and customers to jointly determine customer needs and solutions
• Interface with customers to provide technical support
• Implement product development within schedule and budget
• Support manufacturing to ensure new and existing products are fabricated and assembled based on the intended functionality of the designs
• Develop and maintain procedures and processes that support core technologies
• Understand and support quality policies and objectives
• Drive continuous improvement by evaluating current processes and proposing process changes
• Lead yield improvement and cost reduction activities
• Create and present engineering reports for performance/qualification analysis

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:

The employee must frequently lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must have the ability to work in a clean-room environment with hazardous chemicals, compressed gases, lasers, and high voltage on a regular basis, use personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, respirators, gloves, and aprons.

Requirements

Qualifications                             US person or permanent resident required.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience in a similar position or in a post-graduate research position required

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or Higher) in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Material Science or related field(s)

Knowledge and Skills:

• Hands on knowledge of semiconductor laser physics, processing, characterization, and reliability issues
• Experience with Quantum Cascade Lasers and Interband Cascade Lasers is strongly preferred
• Experience with data analysis software and computer language (JMP, SQL, MATLAB, Python)
• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
• Experience with optoelectronic device testing and automated data acquisition tools is preferred
• Strong analytical skills and real problem solving 
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment
• High attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Effective written and oral communication
• Ability to work in Clean Room Environment.
• Tool and fixture making experience is a plus

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.