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 Production Planner will be responsible for coordinating and scheduling production activities within the assembly area focused on precision optomechanical devices. This role ensures efficient workflow, timely delivery, and alignment with quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to collaborate across departments. While this role is located primarily in Newton, NJ, it may require travel to other Thorlabs locations.Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:Work with a team to coordinate work for assembly floor under the direction of the Team Lead using Dynamics 365 F&O, to manage demand, supply, and production planning.Develop and maintain production plans for assigned product lines.Schedule assembly of finished goods and sub-assemblies based on available capacity.Release production orders to the manufacturing floor based on available components and capacityMaintain and update production lead/queue times.Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, components, sub-assemblies, and finished goods.Maintain planning data, minimum stock levels forecasts, and production parameters.Identify shortages, excess inventory, and stock-out risks.Determine appropriate production order quantities based on demand and manufacturing constraintsUtilize ERP/MRP systems, (Dynamics 365 F&O), to manage demand, supply, and production planning and inventory controls and transactions.Work closely with purchasers and other team members to expedite critical componentsCover the duties of other purchaser/planners when needed.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 compliant 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.RequirementsExperience:Minimum of 3 years in production planning or scheduling within a manufacturing or assembly environmentEducation:High School Diploma or equivalent or equivalent work experienceSpecialized Knowledge and Skills:Process orientedExperience with complex planning, forecasting, and product lifecycle programsProficiency in ERP/MRP systems, preferably Dynamics 365F&O and Microsoft OfficeStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Experience working with up bills of materials and routesSalary range for this position is $57,000 - $71,000 depending on experienceThorlabs 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 Production Planner will be responsible for coordinating and scheduling production activities within the assembly area focused on precision optomechanical devices. This role ensures efficient workflow, timely delivery, and alignment with quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to collaborate across departments. While this role is located primarily in Newton, NJ, it may require travel to other Thorlabs locations.
Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:
- Work with a team to coordinate work for assembly floor under the direction of the Team Lead using Dynamics 365 F&O, to manage demand, supply, and production planning.
- Develop and maintain production plans for assigned product lines.
- Schedule assembly of finished goods and sub-assemblies based on available capacity.
- Release production orders to the manufacturing floor based on available components and capacity
- Maintain and update production lead/queue times.
- Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, components, sub-assemblies, and finished goods.
- Maintain planning data, minimum stock levels forecasts, and production parameters.
- Identify shortages, excess inventory, and stock-out risks.
- Determine appropriate production order quantities based on demand and manufacturing constraints
- Utilize ERP/MRP systems, (Dynamics 365 F&O), to manage demand, supply, and production planning and inventory controls and transactions.
- Work closely with purchasers and other team members to expedite critical components
- Cover the duties of other purchaser/planners when needed.
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 compliant 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
Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years in production planning or scheduling within a manufacturing or assembly environment
Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent or equivalent work experience
Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience with complex planning, forecasting, and product lifecycle programs
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems, preferably Dynamics 365F&O and Microsoft Office
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience working with up bills of materials and routes
Salary range for this position is $57,000 - $71,000 depending on experience
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.
