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.Purpose of the PositionThe position performs a variety of technical operations and exhibits exceptional quality and quantity. The General Helpers position is a critical or key component in the success and the flow of the machine shop. The top priority is to support the CNC Machinists in any way that they can. Works under general supervision. 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. Hours for this position are 3:45p.m. - 12:15a.m. Monday - Friday. This position offers a shift differential of $3.50 per hourEssential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:Responsible for general maintenance such as sweeping, mopping, emptying trash cans, etc.Responsible for efficiently unloading trucks, cut stock, and deliver material to specific machinesMachines various parts on manual equipment with guidance from set-up crewRuns production parts on CNC machines, deburrs and operates laser engraverFinisher- tumbles machined parts, polishes extrusions, bead blastingComplies with safety regulations and maintains clean and orderly work areas.In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are 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.RequirementsQualificationsExperience:Minimum 1 year of experience in a maintenance shop or manufacturing environment.Education:High School diploma or equivalentSpecialized Knowledge and Skills:Strong sense of ethical conductStrong ability to take initiative/ownershipStrong ability to work well in a group atmosphere, and comply with high quality standards.Strong ability to shift from one task to another to address changing production priorities.Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.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.Hourly rate for this position is $18.00Thorlabs 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.BenefitsThorlabs 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.
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.
Purpose of the Position
The position performs a variety of technical operations and exhibits exceptional quality and quantity. The General Helpers position is a critical or key component in the success and the flow of the machine shop. The top priority is to support the CNC Machinists in any way that they can. Works under general supervision. 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. Hours for this position are 3:45p.m. - 12:15a.m. Monday - Friday. This position offers a shift differential of $3.50 per hour
Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for general maintenance such as sweeping, mopping, emptying trash cans, etc.
- Responsible for efficiently unloading trucks, cut stock, and deliver material to specific machines
- Machines various parts on manual equipment with guidance from set-up crew
- Runs production parts on CNC machines, deburrs and operates laser engraver
- Finisher- tumbles machined parts, polishes extrusions, bead blasting
- Complies with safety regulations and maintains clean and orderly work areas.
In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are 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.
Requirements
Qualifications
Experience:
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a maintenance shop or manufacturing environment.
Education:
- High School diploma or equivalent
Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
- Strong sense of ethical conduct
- Strong ability to take initiative/ownership
- Strong ability to work well in a group atmosphere, and comply with high quality standards.
- Strong ability to shift from one task to another to address changing production priorities.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
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.
Hourly rate for this position is $18.00
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.
Thorlabs Ltd. manufactures Motion Control and Vibration Isolation products for photonics applications in the industrial and research sectors.12 miles from Cambridge with train and bus linkDouble digit annual growthOur vision and values drive our operations, our interactions, and the traits we look for in new talent:In addition to onsite training, we offer multiple and cross-departmental opportunities for development:External training and funded educationHands-on lab experience across global locationsCareer progression opportunitiesAnnual entity-wide leadership development Contributed Pension Scheme Group Life Cover Private Health Care Child Care Vouchers Group Income Protection and more.If you wish to apply for the above position, please send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 3NX or email recruitment@thorlabs.comIn line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.
Thorlabs Ltd. manufactures Motion Control and Vibration Isolation products for photonics applications in the industrial and research sectors.
12 miles from Cambridge with train and bus link
Double digit annual growth
Our vision and values drive our operations, our interactions, and the traits we look for in new talent:
In addition to onsite training, we offer multiple and cross-departmental opportunities for development:
External training and funded education
Hands-on lab experience across global locations
Career progression opportunities
Annual entity-wide leadership development
Contributed Pension Scheme 
Group Life Cover
Private Health Care 
Child Care Vouchers
Group Income Protection and more.
If you wish to apply for the above position, please send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 3NX or email recruitment@thorlabs.com
In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.
