Manufacturing Operator (MBs, First Shift) - 1617

Thorlabs Ltd; Ely; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technologies company is seeking a Manufacturing Operator in Ely, UK. In this hands-on role, you will work as part of a production team to produce high-quality components and be trained in operating precision machinery. Essential skills include a strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a problem-solving mindset. The position offers £12.65 per hour along with benefits such as paid holidays, healthcare, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Onsite parking

Free refreshments

Entertainment area

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment is essential.
• Ability to maintain focus and adhere to core values.
• Good level of mechanical aptitude and practical skills are desired.

Responsibilities

• Work within a team to achieve manufacturing targets.
• Be trained to operate precision industrial machinery.
• Record and communicate technical measurements accurately.
• Participate in cross-training to enhance knowledge.

Skills

Hands-on approach

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

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

MB’s Tables

Interview process

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

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
• Maintaining 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

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 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

£12.65 per hour, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference

THOR-VC-1617

Application details

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. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Eligibility

• 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

Visa information

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

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

Internal applicants

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