Laser Technician III

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 Laser Technician Level III is responsible for producing and testing advanced photonics products in both manufacturing and R&D settings. Main responsibilities include electrical, mechanical, optical fiber, and free space assembly and alignment, generating production and quality test data, and preparing products for shipment. This position is expected to have the ability to follow documented assembly instructions to build and align complex optomechanical systems. Additionally, this position should be able to follow documented instructions on the use of sensitive instruments and tools to perform assembly tasks or measurements. The Laser Technician III is also responsible for performing root-cause analysis and repair of non-conforming products based on written quality procedures and with assistance from the engineering teams. Position involves minimum travel. Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to: • Assemble and align precision photonics products and subassemblies according to work instructions • Handle and integrate delicate optics, fibers, and opto-mechanical components in controlled environments. • Operate specialized photonics and manufacturing equipment (e.g., optical test and measurement tools, single photon counters and time taggers, laser welder, laser engraver). • Perform optical alignment and verification of components used in ultrafast, quantum, and ruggedized systems. • Record and maintain test data and production documentation. • Interpret work instructions, drawings, and schematics for complex electro-optical assemblies. • Conduct incoming inspection of optical, mechanical, and electronic components. • Troubleshoot and repair non-conforming assemblies while determining root cause. • Support R&D prototyping and testing of next-generation photonics products. • Train junior technicians and contribute to process improvements. • Follow cleanroom procedures and meet quality and throughput goals. 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.RequirementsPhysical 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. Qualifications Experience: Education: • More than 5 years of experience assembling systems involving optics, fiber optics, or electronics in production environment is required. • Proficiency working with computers and Microsoft Office is required. • High school diploma required. Further education or course-work in a related field is preferred. Specialized Knowledge and Skills: • Hands-on experience building lasers or optical systems. • Hands-on experience using optical measurements instruments such as power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, or beam profilers. Familiarity with operating CNC machines, laser welder or marker, or 3d printers desired • Familiarity with soldering and crimping for electrical assembly. • Familiarity with handling and splicing optical fiber. The hourly rate for this position is $24.72 - $35.00 D.O.E.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. 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.

The Laser Technician Level III is responsible for producing and testing advanced photonics products in both manufacturing and R&D settings. Main responsibilities include electrical, mechanical, optical fiber, and free space assembly and alignment, generating production and quality test data, and preparing products for shipment. This position is expected to have the ability to follow documented assembly instructions to build and align complex optomechanical systems. Additionally, this position should be able to follow documented instructions on the use of sensitive instruments and tools to perform assembly tasks or measurements.

The Laser Technician III is also responsible for performing root-cause analysis and repair of non-conforming products based on written quality procedures and with assistance from the engineering teams. Position involves minimum travel.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Assemble and align precision photonics products and subassemblies according to work instructions

• Handle and integrate delicate optics, fibers, and opto-mechanical components in controlled environments.

• Operate specialized photonics and manufacturing equipment (e.g., optical test and measurement tools, single photon counters and time taggers, laser welder, laser engraver).

• Perform optical alignment and verification of components used in ultrafast, quantum, and ruggedized systems.

• Record and maintain test data and production documentation.

• Interpret work instructions, drawings, and schematics for complex electro-optical assemblies.

• Conduct incoming inspection of optical, mechanical, and electronic components.

• Troubleshoot and repair non-conforming assemblies while determining root cause.

• Support R&D prototyping and testing of next-generation photonics products.

• Train junior technicians and contribute to process improvements.

• Follow cleanroom procedures and meet quality and throughput goals.

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

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.

Qualifications Experience:

Education:

• More than 5 years of experience assembling systems involving optics, fiber optics, or electronics in production environment is required.

• Proficiency working with computers and Microsoft Office is required. • High school diploma required. Further education or course-work in a related field is preferred.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Hands-on experience building lasers or optical systems.

• Hands-on experience using optical measurements instruments such as power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, or beam profilers.

Familiarity with operating CNC machines, laser welder or marker, or 3d printers desired

• Familiarity with soldering and crimping for electrical assembly.

• Familiarity with handling and splicing optical fiber.

The hourly rate for this position is $24.72 - $35.00 D.O.E.

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.