Manufacturing Engineer

Thorlabs; South Fulton (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Thorlabs in South Fulton, GA, seeks a Manufacturing Engineer I for Optical Metrology to oversee metrology equipment and methods in production. You will develop testing techniques, improve processes, and solve manufacturing issues across divisions.

You will collaborate with engineering and operations on new product releases, train staff, and create documentation to ensure quality throughout production. A strong background in optical metrology and Lean/Six Sigma is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering (optical/mechanical/production) or equivalent.
• Experience with optical metrology methods and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Identify problems and provide solutions for manufacturing issues related to newly released products and established workflows.
• Participate in design reviews to identify testing procedures and potential issues before production release.
• Conduct training with production personnel to improve manufacturing and testing processes.
• Interface with engineering and operations to ensure transfer to production follows approved release processes and specs.
• Collaborate with RMA and service to inspect field returns, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Create and maintain testing process documents reflecting current and future conditions.
• Collaborate with technicians to modify assembly/test procedures for TAP products; create jigs/fixtures to improve testing and reduce damage.
• Support engineering changes to increase manufacturability and maintain production routing and revision control.
• Keep current with metrology techniques and equipment and explore new industry practices.

Skills

Metrology

Manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

SolidWorks

Microsoft Office

Training & mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Engineering (Optical/Mechanical/Production)

Tools

Power meter

Spectrophotometer

Profilometer

Interferometer

Job description

Position: Manufacturing Engineer I, Optical Metrology Location: South Fulton 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. The position is responsible to help oversee and improve the metrology equipment and methods employed in the production process for the division, develop and teach testing techniques, improve manufacturing process issues, solve production related problems, and promote quality throughout production and related departments. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations. The Thorlabs Advanced Photonics (TAP) Business Unit has several production departments requiring similar and specialized areas of expertise. A Manufacturing Engineer (Mfr. Engineer) would be assigned to a specific department but might be involved in projects in other departments or business units as the need arises. These areas include (Optical Shop, Coating, Fiber Draw, Fiber Cabling, Opto-Mechanical Assembly, Metrology)

• Responsible for identifying problems and providing solutions for manufacturing issues relating to newly released products, as well as established production workflow.
• Participate in design reviews with the engineering department to help identify and discuss proper testing procedures and potential issues with newly developed products prior to releasing for production.
• Conduct training in collaboration with production personnel to continue improving on existing manufacturing and testing processes throughout the division.
• Interface with engineering and operations to ensure transfer to production of new product releases are in accordance with the approved release processes, requirements, and specifications.
• Collaborate with the RMA and service departments to help inspect and find root failures causes for customer returns from the field. Identify and assist in implementing corrective actions to prevent future failures.
• Create and maintain testing process documents to reflect current and future conditions.
• Collaborate with technicians and assembly personnel to make necessary changes or revisions to assembly and test procedures for TAP products.
• Create necessary jigs and fixtures to create or improve testing methods, efficiency or reduce component damage and waste.
• Assist in completing engineering changes identified through prototype and pilot runs to increase product manufacturability.
• Help create and maintain production routing steps and timing
• Assist in Rev Control and documentation verification
• Keep current with newest metrology techniques and equipment within the industry and look for opportunities to implement. Experience
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a relevant engineering position, or related position in a manufacturing environment desired. Design for Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing experience a plus. Education
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Engineering (Optical, Mechanical, Production, etc.), or equivalent Specialized Knowledge and Skills
• Basic computer knowledge such as, but not limited to, Solid Works and Microsoft products.
• Experience with optical metrology methods and equipment such as power meter, spectrophotometer, profilometer, interferometer,...