R&D Applications Engineer

Thorlabs; Ely; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technologies company in the UK is seeking an Application Engineer to drive testing for photonics products like motion control systems and optical tables. Responsibilities include developing test procedures and producing technical materials that demonstrate product performance. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and 2-3 years' experience. The role offers hybrid working and competitive salary combined with an excellent benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Private health care

25 days holiday plus public holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in an engineering or applications-focused role.
• Prior experience preparing application materials or technical documentation is beneficial.
• Strong understanding of photonics laboratory setups and optical handling.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and document test procedures validating product performance.
• Produce application notes and demonstrations translating technical performance.
• Work with R&D and marketing to identify application scenarios for testing.

Skills

Engineering test plan design

Data analysis

Problem solving

Technical documentation

Precision motion control systems

Noise/vibration testing

Photonics applications

Education

Degree in Electronic Engineering, Photonics, or equivalent

Job description

What is the job?

This role drives the development, execution, and communication of application focused testing for photonics products—specifically precision motion control stages, positioning systems, vibration isolation platforms, and optical tables. The Application Engineer validates product performance, generates compelling technical materials, and bridges R&D, product management, and marketing to ensure that products meet real world application demands in research and industrial photonics markets. Operating within the R&D Engineering team, this role interacts closely with Application Marketing, Product Management, Manufacturing, and Sales. The position supports the full product lifecycle by ensuring that testing, data generation, and application insights effectively demonstrate the performance and value of our motion control and optical table solutions to global photonics customers.

Working Hours

Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available)

Department

Engineering

Interview process

2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 1 Hour Teams interview Second stage: OnSite 3 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?

It’s a hybrid role, working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely as well as your home. The facility isjust 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…

• Degree in Electronic Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in an engineering, product testing, or applications-focused role
• Prior experience preparing application materials, test reports, or technical documentation is highly beneficial.
• Strong proficiency in designing and executing engineering test plans.
• Strong understanding of photonics laboratory setups, system alignment, and optical handling
• Ability to analyse data and draw clear, meaningful application-level conclusions.
• Experience with precision motion control systems
• Proficiency in noise/vibration testing, stability measurements, and data analysis highly desire
• Familiarity with photonics applications such as interferometry, beam delivery, microscopy, or metrology
• Ability to produce clear, structured technical documents that are accessible to mixed audiences.
• Understanding of product development processes and application marketing principles
• Comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams across engineering, marketing, and commercial functions
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to work independently
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
• Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude
• Positive contribution to multi-departmental initiatives and process improvements
• Receptive to new challenges and expanding current knowledge.

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• Develop, execute, and document test procedures that validate product performance across defined applications.
• Produce high‑quality application notes, white papers, and demonstrations that translate technical performance into practical customer use case
• Work cross-functionally with R&D, product line management and marketing to identify relevant application scenarios requiring targeting testing.
• Analyse test outcomes to identify improvement opportunities or necessary product refinements.
• Support product launches by supplying data, test reports, and application insights.
• Act as a technical resource for internal teams, providing clear explanations of application behaviours, performance characteristics and best practices for our product lines.
• Assist with customer-facing technical inquiries when deep knowledge of application testing, integration and system performance is required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the R&D engineering team

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?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference

THOR-VC-1681

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.

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)

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 & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or 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, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail [e-mail].

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.