Electrical Engineer II

NCSL International; Sterling, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Thorlabs in Sterling, VA is seeking an Electronics Engineer II to create electronics for precision imaging systems. You’ll take concepts through prototyping and production, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, manufacturable designs.

The role requires 5–9 years of electronics design experience, an MS in Electrical Engineering (or 5+ years substitute), and expertise in Altium Designer and low‑noise analog/digital design. Competitive pay and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 5-9 years’ experience with electronics design for motion control, scientific, biotech, medical, or semiconductor instrumentation.
• MS Degree in Electrical Engineering (Experience can substitute for MS Degree for 5+ years).
• Experience in schematic capture and PCB layout in Altium Designer.
• Experience in impedance controlled PCB routing.
• Experience in analog/digital low noise design, simulation, and implementation.
• Experience in power electronics.
• Proven expertise to troubleshooting and resolving electronic issues in instruments.
• Familiarity with design and implementation of optoelectronic circuits and control systems.
• Integration of subsystems into imaging systems.
• Strong communication skills and presentation skills.
• Strong ability to take initiative.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop electro-opto and electro-mechanical designs for new products to add to catalog or systems.
• Design and develop electronics for precision scientific instruments and peripherals.
• Take a design from an initial concept through prototyping, debugging, and manufacturing phases.
• Responsible for all related production documentation, including bills of material, engineering drawings, testing requirements, tooling, and specification of thin film coatings.
• Manage project timeline and costs.
• Manage electronic component vendors and contract manufacturers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electronics related system issues.
• Provide circuit simulations when required.
• Manage electronics engineering documentation and material specifications.
• Develop test plans and fixtures for manufacturing.
• Assist and or troubleshoot our production team when problems arise.

Skills

Motion control electronics

Analog/digital low noise design

Power electronics

Instrumentation experience

System integration

Education

MS Degree in Electrical Engineering

Experience can substitute for MS Degree (5+ Years)

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabscontributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

Electrical Engineer II will contribute to new product development for our microscope systems and components. The position will be working with cross-functional, global team that develops complex imaging hardware with integral software for image acquisition, processing, system control, and calibration.

The position requires a keen understanding of designing, prototyping, and troubleshooting electronic circuits and systems The position will assist in bringing new products from prototype to production, with an emphasis on robust and manufacturable designs in a lean manufacturing facility. The job includes occasional participation in detailed technical discussions with customers, sales and field service members.

Develop electro-opto and electro-mechanical designs for new products to add to catalog or systems

Design and develop electronics for precision scientific instruments and peripherals

Take a design from an initial concept through prototyping, debugging, and manufacturing phases

Responsible for all related production documentation, which includes, bills of material, engineering drawings, testing requirements, tooling, and specification of thin film coatings.

Manage project timeline and costs

Manage electronic component vendors and contract manufacturers

Troubleshoot and resolve electronics related system issues

Provide circuit simulations when required

Manage electronics engineering documentation and material specifications

Develop test plans and fixtures for manufacturing

Assist and or troubleshoot our production team when problems arise

Requirements

Qualifications:

5-9 years’ experience with electronics design for motion control, scientific, biotech, medical, or semiconductor instrumentation

Education:

MS Degree in Electrical Engineering

Experience can substitute for MS Degree (5+ Years)

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

Experience in schematic capture and PCB layout in Altium Designer

Experience in impedance controlled PBC routing.

Experience in analog/digital low noise design, simulation, and implementation

Experience in power electronics

Proven expertise to troubleshooting and resolving electronic issues in instruments

Familiarity with design and implementation of optoelectronic circuits and control systems

Integration of subsystems into imaging systems

Strong communication skills and presentation skills

Strong ability to take initiative

Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment

The estimated pay range for this role is $84,000 - $ 110,000 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benefits

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.