Quality Control Inspector

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. This position effectively assures vendor & manufacturing compliance to Thorlabs ISO9001 quality standards protecting customers. Inspectors perform visual and dimensional inspection of precision parts and make quick, accurate pass/fail decisions on many types of optics including filters, mirrors, crystals, prisms, and lenses as well as mechanical components used in conjunction with optical components. Visual surface quality inspections are often performed under 100 watt bulb in low lit room. 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 Functions include the following, but are not limited to: • Introduction to visual and mechanical measurement of parts using metrology devices such as eye loupes, microscopes, calipers, micrometers, and indicators. • Identify non-conformances through specified inspection methods. • Ability to perform extremely detailed visual inspections on intricate and delicate parts occasionally performed under microscopes. • Inspections are performed efficiently, with attention to detail. • Low friction interface to peers/vendors/others in interaction with regards to inspection. • Inspection of products against manufacturing prints. • Handle and Clean Specialty Fiber Optics, Precision Optics, and mechanical components. • Maintain proper records in our Manufacturing Database. • Ask questions when instructions are not understood or clear. • Comply with the company safety program and maintain a clean and organized work area. 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. QualificationsExperience: • 1 year experience in a similar position preferred. Education: • High School Diploma or equivalent work experience.Specialized Knowledge and Skills: • Ability to learn, understand, and effectively apply sampling plans. • Good verbal and written communication skills to operate in both individual and team environments. • Capable of reading mechanical drawings and interpret dimensional tolerances. • Adaptable to process and procedure changes.• Ability to meet department standards for productivity and quality. • Computer literacy using Microsoft product suite is desired. • Must have the ability to cross train in all areas of the department, including but not limited to visual and dimensional inspection, data entry. • High attention to detail. The hourly rate for this position is $18.00 - $20.00 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.

This position effectively assures vendor & manufacturing compliance to Thorlabs ISO9001 quality standards protecting customers. Inspectors perform visual and dimensional inspection of precision parts and make quick, accurate pass/fail decisions on many types of optics including filters, mirrors, crystals, prisms, and lenses as well as mechanical components used in conjunction with optical components. Visual surface quality inspections are often performed under 100 watt bulb in low lit room. 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 Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Introduction to visual and mechanical measurement of parts using metrology devices such as eye loupes, microscopes, calipers, micrometers, and indicators.

• Identify non-conformances through specified inspection methods.

• Ability to perform extremely detailed visual inspections on intricate and delicate parts occasionally performed under microscopes.

• Inspections are performed efficiently, with attention to detail.

• Low friction interface to peers/vendors/others in interaction with regards to inspection.

• Inspection of products against manufacturing prints.

• Handle and Clean Specialty Fiber Optics, Precision Optics, and mechanical components.

• Maintain proper records in our Manufacturing Database.

• Ask questions when instructions are not understood or clear.

• Comply with the company safety program and maintain a clean and organized work area.

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:

• 1 year experience in a similar position preferred.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent work experience.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to learn, understand, and effectively apply sampling plans.

• Good verbal and written communication skills to operate in both individual and team environments.

• Capable of reading mechanical drawings and interpret dimensional tolerances.

• Adaptable to process and procedure changes.

• Ability to meet department standards for productivity and quality.

• Computer literacy using Microsoft product suite is desired.

• Must have the ability to cross train in all areas of the department, including but not limited to visual and dimensional inspection, data entry.

• High attention to detail.

The hourly rate for this position is $18.00 - $20.00 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.