Optics Master Technician

Thorlabs•Newton, NJ

2h•$29 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

At Thorlabs, the Optics Master Technician works on a team manufacturing photonics products and provides guidance to less experienced team members. The role involves preparing materials, operating optical manufacturing equipment, measuring parts during production, troubleshooting process issues, and maintaining quality standards. The position is based in Newton, New Jersey, and may occasionally require duties at other Thorlabs locations. The technician works with glass and crystal materials to produce optical components such as windows, mirrors, prisms, filters, and lenses, using conventional, double-sided, and CNC equipment. The role also includes participating in process development with Engineering, training and mentoring team members, keeping manufacturing records, supporting continuous improvement, and maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area. Work may involve standing or sitting for extended periods, repetitive tasks, handling small parts, and lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required for work with chemicals and equipment.

Requirements

At least 15 years of manufacturing experience and related technical education.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and comply with high quality standards.
Good work ethic.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to shift between tasks as production priorities change.
Basic mathematics knowledge.
Proficiency in basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Office.
Ability to understand written work instructions and technical drawings.
Ability to perform the physical activities described, including handling small parts, standing or sitting for extended durations, repetitive work, and lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Ability to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment, and safely handle chemicals and operate job-related equipment and tools.

Responsibilities

Work in a production area with highly difficult processes.
Prepare raw materials for processing using methods such as wax, pitch, film, and optical contacting.
Remove work from tooling and clean or prepare tooling for the next process.
Perform daily maintenance and upkeep of assigned machines.
Set up, load, unload, and operate optical manufacturing equipment, including cutting, edging, grinding, and polishing machines.
Use conventional, double-sided, and CNC equipment to process glass and crystal materials into optical components such as windows, mirrors, prisms, filters, and lenses.
Set up, measure, and analyze parts using metrology devices, including hand tools, microscopes, test plates, autocollimators, profilometers, and interferometers.
Troubleshoot and resolve process issues.
Participate in process development projects with Engineering.
Train and mentor less experienced team members.
Handle and clean specialty fiber optics, precision optics, and mechanical components.
Sort and count parts and materials, and examine them for defects.
Follow written work instructions and technical drawings to manufacture products to high quality standards, with a goal of zero scrap or rework.
Maintain accurate records in the Manufacturing Database.
Participate in continuous improvement efforts and cross-train to work in multiple production areas.
Comply with the company safety program and maintain a clean and organized work area.
Meet ongoing company standards for quantity and quality of work and comply with company policies, procedures, and workplace behavior directives.