Design Engineer I

Purpose of the Position

This position is for an entry to mid-level individual who has an optical and/or opto-mechanical design background. Position entails the development and design of new products for the optics product line. The engineer will be responsible for managing the project from concept to finished product. 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 include the following, but are not limited to:

• Design new products to add to the Thorlabs online catalog including thin film coatings, lenses, polarization optics, prisms, gratings, opto-mechanics, collimators, isolators, spectroscopy accessories, microscopy sub-assemblies, etc.
• Review customer source control drawings, specification control drawings and other applicable specifications to determine requirements and/or feasibility of the component. Communicate with customers to understand and define their needs.
• Interact with production personnel to define and solve manufacturing/design issues and implement cost reduction ideas with regard to company products.
• Assists drafting, lab testing, manufacturing, quality, and planning as required.
• Perform liaison function between engineering team and all manufacturing operations for any related issues, problems, or improvements.
• Work with the quality department to define problem areas and implement product improvements based on customer repair/rejection concerns.
• Prepare technical data such as qualification test procedures, acceptance test procedures, reports, component maintenance manuals, etc.
• Interact with vendors and purchasers concerning supplied and proposed components.
• Responsible for all changes and problems related to assigned product lines.
• Coordinate as required with other internal groups including Sales, Accounting personnel, Fabrication, Technical Marketing, Technical Support, OEM Team, Management, Planning, and Assembly.
• When requested performs duties of the Engineering Manager during the manager’s absence.
• Responsible for entire product life cycle.
• Monitor and analyze assigned competitors’ trends, acquisitions, and product lines with the intent of reporting to the group weekly and posting to internal forum when applicable.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, the position is 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 be capable of occasionally moving objects up to 25 pounds Employees may come in contact with but not limited to acetone and epoxy.  Their work environment may be noisy at times.  Employees must wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment such as booties, lab coats, glasses and gloves expected of particular locations.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience:

• 1-3 years’ experience in the field of Optics, Opto-Mechanics or Photonic related industry

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related engineering disciplines. A Master’s degree is desirable

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with using SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical design software.  Some familiarity with optical modeling software, specifically Zemax or CodeV.
• Demonstrated technical background and hands on experience in such fields as optics, opto-mechanical design, laser optics, polarization, microscopy, and telecommunications. Hands on experience with optics including alignment, measurement, and testing
• Strong project Management skills with a deep sense of ownership
• Strong ability to take initiative
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment

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.