Design Engineer II

Thorlabs • Morganville, NJ

71d • $76,500 - $110,000

About The Position

The Design Engineer II - Optical Systems is responsible for creating and optimizing optical components and systems with a focus on design for manufacturability (DFM), tolerancing, and cost-effective, readily available solutions. This role requires expertise in geometrical and physical optics and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring that optical requirements are well understood and effectively integrated into a complex system. 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.

Requirements

• 5+ years of industry experience in optical design and development.
• Demonstrated ability to design with manufacturable, readily available components while balancing performance, cost, and availability.
• Hands-on experience with DFM, tolerance analysis, and optical system development.
• Effective at bridging communication between optics and non-optics specialists.
• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Science, or a related discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with laser beam delivery systems and/or laser material processing applications.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading subprojects.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and develop optical systems from concept through production.
• Apply DFM and tolerance analysis to create manufacturable, reliable, and cost-effective designs.
• Leverage experience with readily available components to reduce cost, lead time, and supply chain risks.
• Use optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools) for advanced modeling and optimization.
• Lead optical aspects of prototype builds, testing, and validation.
• Mentor less experienced engineers in optical design practices and tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optical requirements are communicated and implemented.
• Prepare technical specifications, documentation, and reports for engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Work with suppliers to ensure designs are manufacturable and practical.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Company paid life insurance
• Generous PTO package
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees