Photonics Engineer I

Thorlabs; Lafayette (CO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Generous PTO package

Job summary

A leading optical engineering firm in Lafayette, CO is seeking a Photonics Engineer I. This entry-level full-time role involves product development, technical support, and collaboration with team members and customers. Candidates should possess relevant experience and ideally a degree in an optics or physics-related field. Comprehensive benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years relevant industry experience with BS, OR
• 0-3 years relevant experience with an advanced degree.
• Practical experience with precision photonics measurements.

Responsibilities

• Implement product development within schedule and budget.
• Prepare presentations, technical reports, and project updates.
• Assist with the release to production process.

Skills

Optical and laser alignment skills

Experience with optoelectronic device testing

Data analysis software (MATLAB, Python, Excel)

Analytical skills and problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in optics or physics-related field

Job description

Photonics Engineer I – Thorlabs – Lafayette, CO

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast‑paced culture.

Base Pay Range

$95,000 per year – $130,000 per year.

Responsibilities

• Implement product development within schedule and budget
• Prepare presentations, technical reports, and project updates
• Assist with the release to production process, including Bills of Materials and Item Creation within Thorlabs’ ERP system via Engineering Change Orders
• Collaborate on build documentation, assembly instructions, and training of production staff
• Support manufacturing to ensure new and existing products are fabricated and assembled based on the intended functionality of the designs
• Develop and maintain procedures and processes that support core technologies
• Interface with customers to provide technical support
• Identify technological pathways for future products via theoretical and laboratory R&D
• Interface with team members and customers to jointly determine customer needs and solutions
• Generate application‑centric product specifications to serve as technical requirements for partner engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Firmware)
• Understand and support quality policies and objectives
• Drive continuous improvement by evaluating current processes and proposing process changes to improve yield and/or reduce cost

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 3 years relevant industry experience with BS, OR
• 0-3 years relevant industry experience with advanced degree
• Practical experience with precision photonics measurements and instrumentation
• Experience building optical assemblies

Education

• BS, MS, or PhD in an optics or physics‑related engineering field

Knowledge and Skills

• Proficient optical and laser alignment skills
• Experience with optoelectronic device testing and automated data acquisition tools is preferred
• Experience in one of the following fields preferred: AMO Physics, single photons, quantum, nonlinear/parametric processes
• Experience with data analysis software (MATLAB, Python, Excel, or similar)
• Strong analytical skills and real problem‑solving experience
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast‑paced & dynamic environment
• High attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Effective written and oral communication

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.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Thorlabs by 2x.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Industries: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing