Purchaser Planner I

At Thorlabs, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific advancement through innovative components, instruments, and systems that we design and manufacture. We believe in the transformative power of science and technology to enhance the world, and we are committed to advancing photonics technologies that positively impact our customers, employee…

At Thorlabs, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific advancement through our innovative components, instruments, and systems. Our commitment to photonics (light-based technologies) drives us to create solutions that positively influence our customers, employees, and communities. With a focus on sustainable practices and educational outreach, we continuously strive for a brighter future. We value each individual’s unique contributions and aim to foster a dynamic and enjoyable work environment.The Photonics Support Engineer I will provide foundational technical support, assisting customers in resolving issues, troubleshooting, and guiding them toward optimal product solutions for their specific applications and experiments. This role collaborates closely with other Photonics Support and Design Engineers, covering areas such as optics, lasers, light sources, fiber, opto-mechanics, motion control, microscopy, imaging systems, telecommunications instruments, and more. Opportunities for hands-on experience in the lab, customer engagement, trade shows, and visits to Thorlabs manufacturing facilities offer a comprehensive exposure to the photonics industry.While the position is based in Newton, NJ, there may be occasions where travel to other Thorlabs locations is required.

Thorlabs seeks an Engineering Technician I to join the Modifications team in Newton, New Jersey. This entry-level position supports engineering projects and helps carry out product modifications. Role overview As part of the Modifications team, this role involves hands-on assistance with ongoing engineering projects. The position offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced team members and learn technical skills on the job. What you will do Assist with product modifications as directed by senior staff Support engineering projects through practical tasks and collaboration Contribute to project progress while developing technical knowledge Requirements Interest in engineering and product modification Willingness to learn from experienced colleagues Ability to work on-site in Newton, New Jersey

Thorlabs, Inc. designs and manufactures photonics solutions used in research and technology worldwide. With over 3,000 employees, the company supports a collaborative culture where technical skills and new ideas are valued. The Newton, New Jersey location seeks an Engineering Technician I for product development in high-tech areas such as Precision Optics and Specialty Fiber Optics. Role Overview The Engineering Technician I supports product development, maintenance, and quality assurance activities. Working closely with experienced engineers, this role involves hands-on tasks and technical documentation for a range of photonics products. Occasional travel to other Thorlabs sites or customer/vendor locations may be required. What You Will Do Learn about thin film coatings, lenses, fiber optics, polarization optics, prisms, gratings, opto-mechanics, collimators, isolators, spectroscopy accessories, and microscopy sub-assemblies. Create solid models and technical drawings, generate controlled documents, and enter data based on design proposals. Prepare technical documentation, including qualification and acceptance test procedures, reports, and maintenance manuals. Coordinate between engineering and manufacturing to address issues or suggest improvements. Communicate with vendors and purchasers regarding supplied components, services, and equipment. Track and manage project changes and issues. Assist with lab testing, manufacturing, quality assurance, and planning tasks as needed. Update supervisors on work status, challenges, and progress. Support product development through market analysis, application research, customer requests, manufacturing capabilities, cost, capacity, and sales projections. Help ensure product manufacturability, repeatability, and availability. Assist engineers and production teams with testing and data collection. Make drawing and documentation updates as assigned. Work with production staff to resolve manufacturing and design issues and suggest cost-saving measures. Location This position is based in Newton, New Jersey.

Join the innovative team at Thorlabs, where we design and manufacture advanced components, instruments, and systems that drive the future of photonics technology. With a dedicated workforce of over 3,000 employees globally, we are at the forefront of research and practical innovation.We welcome individuals at all stages of their careers to find growth opportunities and make impactful contributions from day one. We value the unique talents and perspectives each employee brings, fostering a vibrant, fast-paced culture that encourages creativity and collaboration.The Quality Engineer will play a crucial role in enhancing quality standards, educating teams on quality techniques, addressing issues, and promoting quality across production and service departments. While this role is based in Newton, NJ, occasional travel to other Thorlabs locations may be required.Key Responsibilities:Maintain the Quality System and ensure compliance with standards.Analyze and prepare Quality trend data and QA reports.Conduct root cause and failure analysis, implementing corrective actions for process issues and customer feedback.Collaborate with production and engineering managers to establish and uphold inspection and acceptance criteria for components, subassemblies, and final products.Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the quality system, utilizing methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, and lean practices.Train production staff to enhance quality awareness and practices.Work with RMA and Service departments to inspect and resolve issues with customer returns.Conduct audits, prepare reports, and implement corrective and preventive actions based on findings.Create and manage quality documentation, including manuals, procedures, and inspection templates.Review RFQs and Purchase Orders for quality-related clauses and requirements.The Quality Engineer is also expected to uphold company standards related to work quality and quantity, adhering to all policies and procedures. This position may evolve with additional responsibilities as needed.

At Thorlabs, we innovate and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that revolutionize the world by advancing key photonics (light-based) technologies. With a committed team of over 3,000 professionals globally, Thorlabs plays a pivotal role in groundbreaking research and real-world innovations.Whether you are at the beginning of your career or bringing extensive experience, you will discover opportunities to grow, take initiative, and contribute meaningfully from your first day. We value the unique talents and perspectives that each employee brings, and we are looking for motivated individuals who are eager to make an impact in a dynamic and enjoyable environment.The Analytics Engineering Supervisor will collaborate with business and IT stakeholders to define, govern, and deliver reliable analytical assets that facilitate enterprise decision-making. This role is pivotal in designing and managing semantic models, metric definitions, and analytical frameworks to ensure uniformity, precision, and scalability across our analytics ecosystem. Acting as the primary liaison between business stakeholders and technical data teams, the Supervisor will translate business inquiries into clearly defined KPIs, metrics, and reusable semantic structures. This position is essential in structuring analytics assets for self-service reporting, minimizing duplication, and enhancing trust in enterprise data. The Analytics Engineering Supervisor will also establish enterprise standards for semantic modeling and metric definition, collaborating with Data Engineering to ensure that data pipelines and datasets support scalable and reliable analytics solutions. Furthermore, this role prepares the organization for advanced analytics capabilities, including AI and machine learning, by enforcing consistent data definitions, governance practices, and reusable analytical structures. While the primary location is in Newton, NJ, occasional duties at other Thorlabs locations may be required.

Join Thorlabs for an immersive Summer 2026 Engineering Internship where you will gain hands-on experience and insights into our innovative business operations. This full-time position is based in our Newton, New Jersey office and offers you the chance to work on impactful projects and collaborate with professionals in a global setting. Please note that housing and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. Application Deadline: December 19, 2025, or until positions are filled. Compensation: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour based on educational background and experience level.Position Purpose:This internship provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to a well-established and rapidly growing company within the photonics industry. We are seeking self-motivated, entrepreneurial candidates with a strong foundation in mechanical and/or optical design. Ideal applicants will have technical expertise and hands-on experience in areas such as fiber optics, mechanical design, laser optics, polarization, and telecommunications. Key Responsibilities:Collaborate with a mentor to develop job-related skills and manage engineering projects.Engage in Research & Development, Product Development, and Process Improvement initiatives.Prepare and present project summaries to a panel of technical experts.Acquire technical skills and proficiency in software relevant to the Photonics field.Gain hands-on experience with manufacturing processes.Ensure a safe and clean working environment by adhering to company policies and regulations. Additional Responsibilities:Consistently meet company standards for quality and productivity.Follow all company policies and procedures regarding workplace conduct. Qualifications:Completed coursework in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Optical Science, Physics, Material Sciences, or Chemistry.Proficient in SolidWorks, PowerPoint, and Excel.Hands-on laboratory experience (preferably in chemistry and/or optics).

At Thorlabs, we are dedicated to propelling scientific discovery through our innovative components, instruments, and systems. Our commitment to advancing photonics technologies reflects our belief that science and innovation can significantly enhance the world around us. We continuously invest in educational outreach and sustainable practices, fostering a brighter future for our customers, employees, and communities. We value the unique contributions of each team member and strive to cultivate an engaging and dynamic work environment.As a Thin Film Coating Technician I, you will join a collaborative team focused on manufacturing high-quality photonics products. Under the guidance of experienced colleagues, your responsibilities will encompass material preparation, machine operation, and conducting in-process measurements. While primarily based in Newton, NJ, you may occasionally be required to assist at other Thorlabs locations.Key Responsibilities:Operate within a production environment that involves moderately complex processes.Prepare raw materials for processing and ensure proper inventory management.Perform routine maintenance and servicing of assigned machinery.Execute basic loading and unloading of thin film coating vacuum deposition equipment.Utilize technologies such as resistive, electron beam, ion assist, and sputtering to create coatings on glass and crystal materials, including anti-reflection coatings, beamsplitters, mirrors, and filters.Learn to use metrology devices for visual and mechanical measurement of components.Handle and clean specialty fiber optics, precision optics, and mechanical components.Sort, count, and inspect materials for quality assurance.Understand and follow written work instructions and technical drawings to meet high-quality production standards with a goal of zero scrap or rework.Maintain accurate records in our Manufacturing Database.Engage in continuous improvement initiatives and adhere to safety protocols while maintaining a clean workspace.In addition to the core responsibilities, all employees are expected to meet Thorlabs' standards relating to work quality and productivity, while upholding company policies regarding workplace behavior.

Thorlabs is excited to contribute to the advancement of science through the innovative components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe in the significant potential of science and innovation to enhance the world around us, and we are dedicated to promoting photonics technologies that have a positive impact on our customers, employees, and communities. Through educational outreach and sustainable business practices, we are continually investing in a brighter future. We value the individuality of each employee and their ability to contribute to our success, striving to cultivate a team of exceptional individuals who thrive in our dynamic and enjoyable workplace culture.The Data Steward plays a crucial role in enhancing the trust, quality, and usability of enterprise data across Thorlabs’ analytics ecosystem, which encompasses Dynamics 365, Azure Synapse, ADLS, and Power BI. This position is tasked with defining and maintaining business terms and critical data elements, documenting data lineage, setting and monitoring data quality standards, and collaborating with Data Engineers, Data Analysts, and business subject-matter experts to resolve data issues and standardize definitions.As a Data Steward, you will ensure a consistent understanding of KPIs and their calculations, support change governance initiatives, and communicate impacts to stakeholders, enabling confident data-driven decision-making. Success in this role requires exceptional communication, organizational, and collaborative skills to work effectively with the Enterprise Data Management team and business partners.While this position is primarily based in Newton, NJ, occasional duties may require travel to other Thorlabs locations.

Join Thorlabs, where we innovate and manufacture high-quality components, instruments, and systems that are at the forefront of photonics technology. With over 3,000 dedicated employees worldwide, we drive impactful research and real-world advancements in science and industry.At Thorlabs, we value every employee’s unique talents and perspectives, offering opportunities for career growth and the chance to make meaningful contributions from day one. We're looking for motivated individuals eager to thrive in a dynamic and engaging environment.The Technical Analyst is instrumental in providing actionable insights that support strategic decision-making in sales, marketing, and new business ventures. This role involves creatively sourcing data on niche markets where traditional insights may be limited. The successful candidate will excel in generating, manipulating, and analyzing large datasets.Although based in Newton, NJ, occasional travel to other Thorlabs locations may be required.

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 OverviewThe 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.

Thorlabs is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery by providing innovative components, instruments, and systems. We recognize the immense potential of science and innovation to enhance the world and are committed to promoting photonics technologies that benefit our customers, employees, and communities. Through educational initiatives and sustainable practices, we invest in a brighter future for all. We value each employee's unique contributions and strive to foster a dynamic, enjoyable work environment that encourages growth and success.The Science Writer II position plays a crucial role in reinforcing Thorlabs' status as a premier supplier of photonics solutions. This position involves creating impactful technical presentations, application imagery, and various marketing materials aimed at educating the photonics community about our products and their applications. This role builds upon the foundational skills developed in the Science Writer I position by leveraging a deep understanding of our extensive product range. You will engage with engineering teams to discuss new product developments and determine how they integrate into our existing offerings. Additionally, you will propose enhancements to our website to optimize the customer buying experience and execute plans to produce high-quality content with minimal revisions needed. Collaboration with graphic designers is essential to produce engaging presentations, utilizing basic information from our engineers along with your existing knowledge of related products.• Project Management: Apply your technical expertise and familiarity with our ERP system (D365), content editing tools, and Thorlabs' standards to craft comprehensive presentations supporting New Product Introductions (NPI), website updates, product phase-outs, acquisitions, tradeshows, social media, video projects, and other marketing collateral. Ensure presentations meet technical accuracy, thoroughness, and layout standards with minimal feedback required.• Content Strategy: Assist customers in making informed decisions from a portfolio of over 20,000 products by developing and implementing proposals for website organization, ensuring strong interlinking, applying SEO techniques, and maintaining thorough, standardized documentation.• Timely Updates: Regularly update content to ensure relevance and accuracy.

Thorlabs designs and manufactures components, instruments, and systems for the photonics industry. With more than 3,000 employees worldwide, the company supports research and real-world applications in light-based technologies. The Newton, NJ site is hiring a Production Manager - Fiber. This role leads and supervises teams in fiber production, working with management to ensure safe, efficient, and timely output of high-quality products. The position involves direct oversight of employees in the assigned areas, including hiring, training, and performance management. Occasional travel to other Thorlabs locations may be needed. What You Will Do Supervise Production Supervisors and allocate departmental resources to match capacity with demand. Manage supply chain activities for raw materials and sourcing of products. Ensure compliance with safety standards for chemical handling and equipment operation. Lead teams to meet production goals while following Thorlabs' Quality Management System. Perform regular quality checks and address any issues related to product quality. Work with Production Planning and Purchasing to maintain schedules and support on-time delivery. Advise on design considerations and lead times for custom and OEM products. Oversee inventory of consumables and assembly supplies to prevent shortages. Identify and report production challenges or improvement opportunities to Engineering, and help implement solutions. Coordinate with Facility Engineering to carry out preventive maintenance and minimize downtime. Expectations All employees are expected to meet company standards for quality and quantity of work, and to perform tasks in line with company policies.

Thorlabs is dedicated to advancing scientific innovation through the design and manufacture of top-notch components, instruments, and systems. Our belief in the transformative power of science fuels our commitment to developing photonics (light-based) technologies that benefit our customers, employees, and communities. Through educational outreach and sustainable business practices, we are continually investing in a brighter future. We understand that each employee brings unique talents to our team, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive in our dynamic, fast-paced culture.The Glass R&D Technician plays a pivotal role in the fabrication of ultra-high purity glass preforms used in optical fibers. This position involves preparing raw materials, melting and casting glass, as well as etching and polishing glass preforms. The technician will work under the guidance of the Glass Fabrication Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor on production tasks, process improvement initiatives, and research and development projects. A strong comfort level in a highly technical laboratory environment is essential, with a focus on precision and adherence to established procedures. While the position is based in Newton, NJ, occasional travel to other Thorlabs locations may be required.Key Responsibilities:Manufacture fluoride glass for optical fiber preformsGrind and prepare raw material crystalsWeigh and mix powder batchesMelt raw materials and cast fluoride glass preformsChemically etch cast glass pieces for surface preparationClean and maintain glass manufacturing equipmentMaintain inventory of lab supplies, raw materials, and consumablesAccurately document all manufacturing data in the Manufacturing Execution System (MES)Strictly adhere to safety and PPE protocols while handling hazardous materialsParticipate in cross-training and perform other essential functions as assignedAdditional Responsibilities:• Consistently meet company standards for quality and quantity of work, ensuring compliance with all policies and procedures.• Uphold workplace behavior standards while executing job duties and assignments. The company reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as necessary.Physical Requirements:This role may require standing or sitting for extended periods and performing repetitive tasks. The technician may need to lift and move materials as part of their work.

At Thorlabs, we are dedicated to propelling scientific innovation through the cutting-edge components, instruments, and systems that we design and manufacture. We understand the transformative power of science and innovation in creating a better world, and we are committed to pioneering advancements in photonics technology that benefit our customers, employees, and communities alike. Our initiatives in educational outreach and sustainable practices reflect our ongoing investment in a brighter future for all.The Content Strategist II is a pivotal role focused on the creation, curation, and strategic management of a continuous stream of high-quality educational content across Thorlabs’ platforms, including our website, social media, mobile applications, and in-person training sessions. This position merges content creation, editorial oversight, and cross-platform strategy to deliver educational materials that are not only accurate and engaging but also timely and aligned with organizational standards.In this role, you will produce your own content while collaborating with internal teams and external contributors to guide the development of educational resources, ensuring consistency in messaging and style, and fostering connections across various platforms. You will also be responsible for delivering educational content directly to audiences, both in-person and virtually.While the primary location for this position is Newton, NJ, occasional travel to other Thorlabs locations may be required.Key Responsibilities:Research photonics topics to develop a diverse portfolio of educational content.Refine content to ensure technical accuracy and compelling storytelling tailored to various audiences.Collaborate with subject matter experts to deepen understanding and clarity in content delivery, ensuring readiness for audience inquiries.Organize practice takes and create video storyboards to outline character and part placement, camera angles, and pacing for filming.Develop and maintain a content calendar with production timelines to release original content and manage existing materials, including responding to audience interactions.Establish a content strategy and track KPIs to assess content performance, identify trends, and inform strategic decisions.Stay informed on emerging platforms, approaches, and marketing standards to produce ready-to-publish presentations.Work alongside the Digital Marketing team to create supporting animated and multimedia content.

Join Thorlabs, a leading manufacturer of photonics and optical components, as an Electronics Assembler II. In this role, you will be responsible for assembling and testing electronic components and systems with precision and attention to detail. Your expertise will contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality products that support scientific research and industrial applications.

Join Thorlabs, a pioneering company dedicated to the design and manufacture of components, instruments, and systems that revolutionize the world through innovative photonics technologies. With a dynamic team of over 3,000 dedicated employees globally, we are at the forefront of transformative research and practical innovation.Whether you are just starting your career or bringing extensive experience, Thorlabs offers a vibrant environment where you can grow, take ownership, and contribute meaningfully from your first day. We recognize that each employee's unique talents and perspectives are vital to our success, and we are looking for motivated individuals eager to make a difference in an exciting and fast-paced culture.The Scientific Glass Blower will set up and operate a glass working operation focused on producing glass cells for laser applications, primarily utilizing borosilicate glass and quartz, as well as specialized glass materials. A key skill is the ability to create glass-to-metal seals, T-intersections, flanges, and to attach laser-grade windows without compromising surface flatness. The role also involves operating and maintaining a vacuum system for filling reference cells with various gasses and metals. Furthermore, the successful candidate will contribute significantly to the Mechanical Business Unit (MBU), dedicating 20% of their time to engineering or operations tasks.

At Thorlabs, we are dedicated to advancing scientific innovation through the precision components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. Our commitment to photonics technology empowers our customers, employees, and communities, enhancing the world around us. Through sustainable practices and educational outreach, we invest in a brighter future for all. We celebrate the uniqueness of each employee, fostering a dynamic and enjoyable work environment that drives our collective success.The Machine Shop Estimator is a vital role within our organization, responsible for providing accurate quotes for both new and existing projects in our internal machine shop. You will closely collaborate with shop management and CNC programmers to ensure precise lead times and cost assessments. While primarily based in Newton, NJ, occasional travel to other Thorlabs locations may be required.Key Responsibilities:Generate detailed quotes for projects to be manufactured within our machine shop.Engage with external partners for material procurement and outsourcing processes.Deliver comprehensive information to our planning team regarding in-house part production.Work alongside engineering teams to develop new products and provide crucial feedback on designs.Manage new prototype requests in our advanced machine shop.Maintain a systematic database for all shop quotes and prototype requests.Provide thorough internal quotations that encompass feasibility, tiered pricing, lead times (both initial and recurring), specifications, potential risks/delays, and various options to enhance value and minimize waste.Collaborate with all manufacturing teams (Production, Quality, Planning, Engineering, etc.) to analyze, refine, and adjust estimates while scheduling production as needed.Communicate with vendors and suppliers regarding components and obtain quotes for raw materials and sub-components.Physical Requirements: This role may involve extended periods of sitting or standing and the performance of repetitive tasks. Employees may need to lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds and must be capable of handling small parts. The work environment is generally moderate in noise but may become louder at times. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, glasses, gloves, and specialized garments, must be worn as needed to ensure safety.

Join Thorlabs Inc., a pioneering force in photonics and laser technology, where our dedication to innovation is matched only by our commitment to our people. As the Vice President of Finance, you will be instrumental in supporting our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in evaluating the company's financial performance. Your role will encompass overseeing budgeting and forecasting processes, aligning financial strategies with organizational objectives, and identifying growth opportunities that enhance profitability across our global operations. You will also be responsible for the prudent management of the company's resources while ensuring effective governance and risk management. Collaborating closely with the Global Controller and finance teams across Europe and other regions, you will play a key role in shaping both our immediate and long-term financial strategies, which are essential for achieving our business and strategic goals.Key Responsibilities:Lead the planning, development, and evaluation of the organization's financial operations and performance.Act as a strategic partner in the development of corporate plans and initiatives.Assess the implications of long-term planning and new program introductions, while providing insights on regulatory changes.Assist the CFO in preparing comprehensive financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and tax returns.Build credibility within the finance team through timely and accurate financial analysis to support executive decision-making.Enhance existing policies and procedures to optimize operational effectiveness.Establish a reputation as a solution-oriented leader within the organization.Offer technical financial guidance to colleagues across various departments.Continuously improve the budgeting process by educating department managers on financial matters.Provide strategic financial leadership on key organizational decisions, including potential mergers, acquisitions, and investment strategies.Manage banking relationships to optimize cash flow and financial positioning.Develop a reliable cash flow forecasting process to ensure operational viability.Serve as a financial advisor for contracts and other business agreements.