Manufacturing Operator (Cell 2, First Shift) - 2111

Thorlabs; Ely; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Group Life Cover

Private Health Care

Group Income Protection

Job summary

Thorlabs is seeking a Manufacturing Operator in Ely, UK, to join our production team. You will be hands-on with high-tolerance components and trained to operate a wide range of machinery, contributing to quality improvements and output.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, teamwork, and practical problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. The position involves working within the Tables business unit, with a focus on maintaining quality measurements and production status.

Qualifications

• Evidence of hands-on manufacturing experience.
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain focus.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work within an allocated team to achieve scheduled manufacturing targets.
• Set and operate a wide range of precision industrial machinery.
• Record and communicate accurate technical measurements and readings.
• Report product status via production control system and paperwork.
• Participate in cross-training within the Tables Business Unit.
• Support problem solving and quality/performance improvement.

Skills

Hands-on

Manufacturing experience

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Job description

What is the job?

As a Manufacturing Operator you will be very much ‘hands on’ in this physical role, working as part of the production team, expressing a can-do attitude and eye for quality. In addition to producing high tolerance components, critical to the quality of a finished product, you will be trained to operate a wide range of processes and equipment and identify opportunities to improve product quality and production output.

Working Hours:

Monday to Thursday 6am to 2:30pm and Fridays 6am to 1pm

Department:

Tables

Interview process:

2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30-minute Teams interview, Second stage: Onsite 1 hour interview

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What is essential to us…

• A practical ‘hands on’ approach with experience in a manufacturing environment
• High level of attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good level of mechanical aptitude and practical skill is desired
• Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
• Proven ability to work in a team environment

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• Work within an allocated team to achieve scheduled manufacturing targets
• You will be trained and developed to set and operate a wide range of precision industrial machinery
• Maintain high levels of attention to detail at all times, recording and communicating accurate technical measurements and readings
• Communicate product status accurately via the production control system and associated paperwork
• Participate in cross-training to increase knowledge and experience of the Tables Business Unit
• Support and drive problem solving and quality/performance improvement

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

£13.45 per hour, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference:

THOR-VC-2111

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

• Contributed Pension Scheme
• Group Life Cover
• Private Health Care
• Group Income Protection
• and more.

We are Disability Confident Committed

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.