Engineering Technician I - Part Time

Thorlabs; Sparta Township (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Thorlabs in Sparta, NJ is seeking an on-site Engineer/Technician to support product development and documentation. You will work on CAD-based design components, create and review drawings, and help ensure manufacturability and quality across projects.

Requirements include 1–2 years in a technical field, proficiency with SolidWorks and Microsoft Office, and the ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues. Travel up to 10% to customer locations and other Thorlabs sites may be required.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of previous experience in a technical field.
• Previous experience with 3D CAD modeling software.
• Basic SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD modeling software proficiency.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues.
• Ability to interpret, follow, edit and provide feedback on work instructions.
• Experience with hand tools, power tools and diagnostic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Creates Engineering Change Orders and updates revision-controlled documents.
• Performs product development, including creating and supporting design components and documentation.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of design standards, ensuring manufacturability.
• Maintains accurate product documentation and work instructions.
• Provides technical support to the production team.
• Interacts with vendors to aid in quoting and communicate quality expectations.
• Creates test reports and performs product testing for new and existing designs.
• Adheres to company policies and workplace standards in all duties.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

Microsoft Office

Autonomy

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Sparta Township, New Jersey, United States

Aug 18, 2026

$23 - $27/hour

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.

This position operates among a diverse team of engineers, supporting daily activities and customer-driven requests. While this position is based in Sparta, NJ, up to 10% travel may be required to customer locations and other Thorlabs sites.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

Creates Engineering Change Orders and updates revision-controlled documents.

Performs product development, including creating and supporting design components and documentation.

Assists in the development and maintenance of design standards, while ensuring design consistency and manufacturability.

Maintains accurate product documentation and work instructions.

Provides technical support to the production team.

Assists in solid modeling, creation and/or review of manufacturing prints and documentation.

Interacts with vendors to aid in the quoting process and communicate quality expectations.

Creates test reports and performs product testing for both new and existing designs.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that follows all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

Work may be active, could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Employees must grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts and components that are often very small. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, may be noisy at times. Must be able to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as but not limited to masks, glasses, gloves, and specialty garments. The required PPE and training allow for the safe handling and processing of chemicals like adhesives, lubricants and solvents, and safe operation of job-related equipment and tools.

Experience:

• 1-2 years of previous experience in a technical field.
• Previous experience with 3D CAD modeling software.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD modeling software proficiency.
• Strong proficiency in basic Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint).
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues.
• Ability to interpret follow, edit, and provide feedback on written work instructions.
• Experience working with hand tools, power tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and comply with high quality standards.
• Ability to function autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment

Hourly pay range for this position is $23.50-$27.00 depending on experience

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 identity 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.

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..

Thorlabs is a premier designer and manufacturer of photonics equipment, providing innovative solutions for research, manufacturing, and biomedical applications worldwide.

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing Machinery Manufacturing Manufacturing

43 Sparta Ave, Newton, New Jersey 07860, US