NPI Engineer I

Thorlabs; Alaska; On-site; USD 71,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Thorlabs seeks an entry-level to 4-year experienced NPI engineer to join the NPI team, interfacing with mechanics, optics, firmware, software, marketing, sales and production to bring new products from prototype to release. You will define requirements and drive manufacturability throughout the product life cycle.

The role requires a Mechanical/Optical Systems Engineering background, strong SolidWorks skills, and a proactive, ownership-driven approach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Optical Systems Engineering or related technical major.
• Experience in opto/electro-mechanical design up to 4 years.
• Proficient with SolidWorks 3D CAD.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review project inputs and define requirements and specs for new products.
• Procure components for pilot runs with planning team.
• Assist technicians in pilot builds and manufacturability proofs.
• Install software/firmware and perform testing on new products.
• Provide technical support to customers and sales teams.
• Manage NPI documentation and packaging solutions.
• Set up BOMs in MRP and review manufacturing drawings.
• Support derivative products introduction.

Skills

SolidWorks

Problem solving

Ownership

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical/Optical Systems Engineering

Tools

MRP system

ECRO process

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.

This position is a part of the NPI team that interfaces with a variety of teams including mechanics, optics, firmware, software, marketing, sales, and production. The position requires an overall understanding of the product life cycle and the ability to bring a product from the prototype phase to the final release phase.

• Review project inputs from design engineers and gather product requirements, detailed functional specifications, and design descriptions, to make sure that new products and product enhancements are adequately defined, well-understood, and approved.
• Work with purchasing and planning group to procure components for pilot run of new products.
• Assist technicians in conducting pilot run build or proof of manufacturability.
• Install software and firmware onto new systems and perform modular, front end and GUI testing onto all new products. Notify design engineers of conditions requiring more complex resolution, recurring failures, potential service issues, or identified new product limitations. Make recommendations for potential design or procedural changes.
• Review and update marketing analysis of new products with the team leader. This includes sales forecasts and costs to determine effective gross profit margins and to price products competitively on the market
• Execute NPI inventory transactions.
• Create engravings and markings that comply with industry and company standard for every new product.
• Work with design engineers to create effective packaging solutions for all new products.
• Provide technical support to answer and explain new products to the customers and sales teams.

Project Review

• Set-up Items and BOMs in MRP system. Review and update all manufacturing drawings, and documentation on new products before release.
• Participate in web page reviews on all new products and provide technical support to answer and explain new products to the marketing team.
• Introduction of derivative products into the market.

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

• Interface with a variety of teams to introduce new products in the market. Teams include research, engineering (mechanics, optics, electronics, firmware, software), manufacturing, marketing and sales.
• Introduce new products into the market after project has been transferred from engineering.
• Facilitate the developments of documentation, instructions and procedures that improve manufacturability of new products.
• Provide customer-orientated presentations and documentation to ease use of product
• Propose and support development of new products or improvement of existing products
• Support all other NPI Team members in order to meet project timelines
• Document all project inputs and outputs in ECRO process

Must be a US person to work with ITAR products

Requirements

Experience:

Entry level to 4 years industrial experience or equivalent in opto/electro mechanical design

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical/Optical Systems Engineering or other relevant technical major required.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Skilled in the use of Solidworks 3D CAD software
• Strong problem solving skills
• Strong sense of ownership and work ethic
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment

The estimated pay range for this role is $71,000 - $ 79,000 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.