Specials Engineer II - Thorlabs

This position is for an individual with experience in optical and/or opto-mechanical manufacturing and design. Position entails the maintenance and growth of the custom products offering through supervision of their manufacture and the improvement of their processes. Additional responsibility for design and development of new products for the optics product line. The engineer will be responsible for managing projects from concept to completion. 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 Functionsinclude the following, but are not limited to: 

• Coordinate with Customer Success and Technical Support teams on lead times, costing, recommended pricing, and technical restrictions for custom components, customized versions of catalog components and assemblies and OEM products produced by TAP

• 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.
• Working with team to ensure that drawings and documentation are correctly implemented.
• This includes verifying BoMs and routes follow the correct manufacturing processes utilized.
• Establishing an understanding by all parties, from customer to vendor, of what is implied by relevant material.
• Teaming up with Manufacturing to ensure best approach is utilized in generation of parts.
• Includes implementation/supervision of necessary transition between departments.
• Reviewing performance of specials and identifying systemic changes for improvement.
• Tracking profitability of group for reporting and accountability.
• Update costing and routes of completed specials.
• Identifying new technologies and building a case for implementation, including the utilization of suppliers external to the TAP.
• Identifying OEM opportunities and alerting the OEM Team. Continued involvement with these and other large volume opportunities as a technical lead.
• Recognizing opportunities that could benefit from Research and Development to expand specials capabilities and then establishing them.
• Understand manufacturing capacity and capability.
• Working with other Business Units and Entities to assist in satisfying their optics needs.
• Prepare design proposals and documents.
• Perform liaison function between engineering team and all manufacturing operations for any related issues, problems, or improvements.
• Participate in engineering and general design reviews as required.
• Interact with vendors and purchasers concerning supplied and proposed components.

• Coordinate as required with other internal groups including Sales, Accounting, Technical Marketing, Technical Support, OEM Team, Management, Planning, and Manufacturing
• Advise supervisor of work status, workload, problems and progress as related to work assignments.

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

Experience:

• 3-5 years Industry experience and related coursework in the field of optics and photonics 

Education:

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

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with SolidWorks, CAD, or other modeling software.
• Proficiency in a computer language such as Visual Basic, C++, Python, Labview
• Familiarity with optical modeling software, specifically Zemax and TFCalc, but also relevant CODE V, Essential MacLeod, Filmstar, OSLO, etc.
• 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
• Knowledge of current optical design, fabrication, assembly, and test techniques
• Strong project Management skills with a deep sense of ownership
• Strong ability to take initiative.
• Demonstrated innovation.
• 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 identify 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..