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 Machine Shop Purchaser Planner is responsible for coordinating and planning the production schedules in our machine shop to ensure timely and efficient operations. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes.Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:Develop and maintain detailed production schedules to optimize workflow, machine utilization and meet delivery deadlines. Coordinate with various departments to ensure resources are allocated efficiently.Analyze machine shop capacity and workload to forecast production needs. Adjust schedules as necessary to accommodate changes in demand or unforeseen delays and material outages.Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods. Ensure timely procurement of materials to prevent production interruptions.Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement strategies to enhance productivity and reduce lead times.Serve as the primary point of contact between the machine shop and other departments, including engineering, quality control, and procurement. Communicate schedule changes and updates effectively.Maintain accurate records of production schedules, inventory levels, and machine shop activities.Address and resolve any issues that arise during production, such as equipment malfunctions or material shortages. Develop contingency plans to mitigate risks.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.Physical Activities: This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand, as necessaryRequirementsExperience:Minimum of 3 years of experience in production planning or scheduling within a machine shop or manufacturing environment, preferred.Education:High School Diploma or equivalent shop scheduling experienceSpecialized Knowledge and Skills:Proficiency in production scheduling software and ERP systems.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent organizational and time management abilities.Effective communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.Experience in setting up bills of materials and manufacturing 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 Machine Shop Purchaser Planner is responsible for coordinating and planning the production schedules in our machine shop to ensure timely and efficient operations. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes.
Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:
- Develop and maintain detailed production schedules to optimize workflow, machine utilization and meet delivery deadlines. Coordinate with various departments to ensure resources are allocated efficiently.
- Analyze machine shop capacity and workload to forecast production needs. Adjust schedules as necessary to accommodate changes in demand or unforeseen delays and material outages.
- Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods. Ensure timely procurement of materials to prevent production interruptions.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement strategies to enhance productivity and reduce lead times.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the machine shop and other departments, including engineering, quality control, and procurement. Communicate schedule changes and updates effectively.
- Maintain accurate records of production schedules, inventory levels, and machine shop activities.
- Address and resolve any issues that arise during production, such as equipment malfunctions or material shortages. Develop contingency plans to mitigate risks.
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.
Physical Activities: This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand, as necessary
Requirements
Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in production planning or scheduling within a machine shop or manufacturing environment, preferred.
Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent shop scheduling experience
Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
- Proficiency in production scheduling software and ERP systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Experience in setting up bills of materials and manufacturing 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.
