About the job
At Thorlabs, we are excited to contribute to the advancement of scientific discovery through our innovative components, instruments, and systems. We are passionate about harnessing the power of photonics (light-based technologies) to enhance the lives of our customers, employees, and the communities we serve. Our commitment to sustainability and educational outreach reflects our dedication to a brighter future for all. We value the unique contributions of each employee and strive to cultivate an engaging and dynamic workplace culture.
Position Overview
The Metal Finishing Racker plays an essential role in our anodizing operation, ensuring high-quality and efficient processing of components. This position involves supporting the anodizing line through various technical tasks and operates under general supervision. While primarily based in Newton, NJ, you may also be required to assist at other Thorlabs facilities as needed.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Racking and un-racking parts for processing on the automated anodizing line.
- Preparing components for racking, including plugging holes.
- Conducting in-process manual rinsing and inspections.
- Validating order quantities against production requests.
- Inspecting parts pre- and post-anodization to uphold Thorlabs' quality standards.
- Checking for color uniformity and identifying any bleed-out issues, notifying the operator of concerns.
- Safely wrapping or loading parts into trays for transportation to other locations.
- Maintaining anodizing racks to ensure quality integrity.
- Performing general maintenance tasks such as cleaning work areas and managing waste.
- Efficiently unloading trucks and storing hazardous materials in accordance with safety regulations.
All employees are expected to:
- Consistently meet company standards for work quality and quantity.
- Adhere to company policies and workplace behavior expectations while performing job responsibilities.
The company reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as required.

