Engineering Manager

Purpose of the Position

The position is responsible for meeting goals and objectives by overseeing and directing assigned projects and taking appropriate actions to ensure project completion on time, within budget and with defined resources. The position will provide technical advice to the project team, including: scope of project, troubleshooting, and engineering methodology. The engineering manager leads and manages the project team, with the authority and responsibility to run the project on a day-to-day basis. Although the location of the position is in Sterling, VA, it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations from time to time. 

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Direct the pre-construction planning process, accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects, develop schedules, anticipates and adjust for problems and roadblocks, and collaborate with project team members to proactively resolve construction problems
• Sets objectives and goals with specific measures
• Effectively details plan to procure and coordinate materials, equipment, and vendors to help maximize project profitability
• Establish costs for labor, equipment, materials, and other direct job costs
• Proactively monitors costs and reacts to variations quickly; monitors labor reporting system to effectively control productivity; ensures financial success of project
• Manage project risks, including the development of contingency plans
• Recommend methods and/or improvements based on project needs and resource capabilities.
• Conceive, design and prototype assigned product design projects.
• Conduct timely and complete turnover meetings to transfer information from those who estimated the project to those executing projects
• Foster customer relationships and work collaboratively with all internal and external groups to meet clients’ needs effectively and efficiently.
• Develops and oversees department policies and procedures that follow global policies and procedures
• Create updates and presentations as needed for Sr. Management.
• Participate in interviews.
• Monitor attendance, performance, training; complete performance assessments; make termination recommendations as necessary.
• Manage team priorities.

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.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience:

·       10+ years electrical, mechanical, or optical engineering experience

·       3+ years of related project management experience including project budgeting, proposal review, design/value engineering, and project accounting.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering or related field
• P.M.P. professional certification is preferred

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with PCB Schematics design software such as Altium
• Experience with Optical Modelling design software such as Zemax
• Strong proficiency in MS office and communication tools.
• Experience with software programming tools such as Labview or MS Visual Studio for test automation.
• Working knowledge on SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling software.
• Proven ability to lead multiple teams, partner with management to resolve conflicts and lead indirect resources. Effectively communicates and facilitates presentations (internally and externally).
• Demonstrated experience in leading product development efforts and recognizable knowledge of product development processes.
• Proven ability to direct resources, plan project activities and balance financial budgets.

• The position requires some travel, including to Tradeshows and remote strategy meetings

Direct Reports:

This position manages all employees of the department and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within that department.

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.