Manufacturing Engineer I

Thorlabs•Newton, NJ

20h•$71,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation. Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture. The position is responsible to help oversee and improve the production process for the division, develop and teach assembly techniques, improve manufacturing process issues, solve production related problems, and promote 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. The Thorlabs Advanced Photonics (TAP) Business Unit has several production departments requiring similar and specialized areas of expertise. A Manufacturing Engineer (Mfr. Engineer) would be assigned to a specific department but might be involved in projects in other departments or business units as the need arises. These areas include (Optical Shop, Coating, Fiber Draw, Fiber Cabling, Opto-Mechanical Assembly, Metrology)

Requirements

Minimum 1 year of experience in a relevant engineering position, or related position in a manufacturing environment desired.
Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering (Optical, Mechanical, Production, etc.), or equivalent
Basic computer knowledge such as, but not limited to, SolidWorks, Microsoft products, and Axapta.
Experience with manufacturing, configuration management, and product development in an R&D / New Product Development Environment.
Experience with quality improvement tools and techniques (i.e., Lean, Six Sigma, Process Control, and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis).
Familiarity with the application of optics and/or the fabrication of glasses and crystal used to create optical components.
Experience using standard measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, pin and thread gauges….etc.)
Must be able to work on ITAR restricted projects.

Nice To Haves

Design for Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Responsible for identifying problems and providing solutions for manufacturing issues relating to newly released products, as well as established production workflow.
Plan production layouts helping to facilitate lean manufacturing and six sigma standards.
Participate in design reviews with the engineering department to help identify and discuss proper procedures and potential issues with newly developed products prior to releasing for production.
Conduct training in collaboration with production personnel to continue improving on existing manufacturing and testing processes throughout the division.
Interface with engineering and operations to ensure transfer to production of new product releases are in accordance with the approved release processes, requirements, and specifications.
Collaborate with the RMA and service departments to help inspect and disposition customer returns from the field. Identify and assist in implementing root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent future failures.
Create and maintain manufacturing process documents to reflect current and future conditions.
Collaborate with technicians and assembly personnel to make necessary changes or revisions to assembly, test, and alignment procedures for TAP products.
Create necessary jigs and fixtures to improve production efficiency or reduce component damage and waste.
Assist in completing engineering changes identified through prototype and pilot runs to increase product manufacturability.
Help create and maintain production routing steps and timing.
Assist in Rev Control and documentation verification.
Keep current with newest manufacturing techniques within the industry and look for opportunities to implement.
Ensure production techniques and capacity scale with growing demand of products.
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.