Equipment Maintenance Technician I

Thorlabs; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 28,413 - 40,467; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Thorlabs in Jessup, MD seeks a Maintenance Technician responsible for preventative and reactive maintenance of processing equipment, collaborating with wafer fab and facilities teams. The role requires mechanical and electronics training, ability to work independently or in a team, and the capacity to handle hazardous chemicals with proper PPE. Hourly pay is $25.00.

U.S. Person status required on hire; Thorlabs offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life

Qualifications

• 0–4 years of equipment maintenance experience in manufacturing
• AA degree preferred is advantageous
• Strong mechanical and electronics aptitude

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance tasks on processing equipment with minimal oversight.
• Diagnose, repair and maintain industrial production or processing machinery.
• Disassemble machinery to access parts and perform repairs.
• Perform preventative maintenance as outlined by equipment manuals.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of maintenance activities.
• Coordinate with FAB supervisor and submit requisitions for parts and PO’s.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Electrical testing

Schematic reading

Hand tools

Vacuum systems

Communication skills

Computer skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AA degree or technical school preferred

Tools

Voltmeter

Oscilloscope

Diagnostic equipment

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, Thorlabs contributes 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.

Purpose of the Position

Candidate will be responsible for the preventative and reactive maintenance of processing equipment. This position requires significant interaction with both the wafer fab and facilities staff. The candidate will have mechanical and electronics training, strong organizational skills, good phone etiquette and strong computer skills. Must be comfortable working independently as well as in a team environment. Self‑motivated, self‑directed position in a dynamic environment working on maintenance activities as well as projects to enhance production capabilities. Although the location of the position is in Jessup, MD, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

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

• Perform routine maintenance tasks that require direct or limited oversight.
• Ability to diagnose, repair and maintain industrial production or processing machinery.
• Disassemble machinery to remove parts and make repairs.
• Perform preventative maintenance as outlined by equipment manuals.
• Knowledge of safe maintenance procedures including Lockout Tag out.
• Maintain up to date documentation of maintenance activities.
• Maintain an inventory of consumables.
• Maintain a clean workspace and keep all parts/spares/tools stored in designated areas.
• Maintain a database of notes and/or procedures that are not documented in the maintenance manuals.
• Communicate tool status to FAB supervisor to schedule maintenance.
• Generate & submit requisitions for Purchase Orders, including follow‑up to ensure timely delivery and maintain record of receipt of items ordered.

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 is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

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:

• 0 to 4 years of experience in equipment maintenance in manufacturing or similar environment.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• AA degree or equivalent technical school program preferred.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to troubleshoot complex processing equipment.
• Ability to use voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and other testing devices to diagnose malfunctions.
• Experience reading electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Experience working with hand tools, power tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Experience with vacuum pumps, vacuum chambers, RF energy, high voltage, and high purity gas systems is preferred but not required.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer knowledge such as but not limited to Microsoft products.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong ability to work well in a group atmosphere and comply with high quality standards.
• Strong ability to shift from one task to another to address changing production priorities.

Other:

This position will require you to work with and in proximity of corrosive chemicals, flammable chemicals, compressed gasses, and other hazards. Familiarity with safe practices associated with these hazards is a plus.

Hourly Pay for this position is $25.00.

As a condition of employment for this position, the successful candidate must be able to submit documentation establishing U.S. Person status (e.g. a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Workers granted Refugee status, or Workers granted Asylum) upon hire.

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.