Photonics Engineer II

Thorlabs; Lafayette (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Thorlabs in Lafayette, CO is seeking a Photonics Engineer II to drive innovation in applications and systems development for high‑performance optical cavities and locking technologies. The role involves developing new products, expanding internal optical metrology, and collaborating with customers to ensure technical success.

You will work with a multidisciplinary engineering team to ensure designs and manufacturing methods meet customer needs, while occasional duties at other Thorlabs locations

Qualifications

• BS in optics or physics‑related engineering required.
• MS or PhD in optics or physics preferred.
• Experience building optical and laser assemblies.
• Experience with advanced scientific instruments (e.g., AOMs/EOMs) and noise budgeting.
• Strong Python/C/C++ instrument control and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation in applications and systems development for photonics products.
• Develop and release new products and internal metrology capabilities.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and customers to ensure specs meet needs.
• Produce test reports and ensure traceability of measurements.

Skills

Python

C/C++

MATLAB

Data analysis

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

BS in optics/physics-related engineering

MS or PhD in optics/physics

Tools

PID servos

PLLs

Frequency counters

RF spectrum analyzers

AOMs

EOMs

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.

The Photonics Engineer II is responsible for driving innovation in applications and systems development for photonics products, with a focus on high‑performance optical cavities and locking technologies. The role involves developing and releasing new products, developing internal optical metrology capabilities, and collaborating with both new and existing customers to ensure successful technical outcomes. The position includes working with a multi‑disciplinary team of engineers to ensure that designs and manufacturing techniques will yield products that meet specifications and the needs of the customer application.

Although the location of the position is in Lafayette, CO, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Product development activities

• Guide new products from initial ideas and proof of concept demonstration through prototype, release, production, and support of our customers.
• Generate application-centric product specifications to serve as technical requirements for partner engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Firmware).
• Assist with the release to production process within Thorlabs’ ERP system.
• Collaborate on build documentation, assembly instructions, and training of production staff.

Internal optical metrology

• Develop advanced characterization systems that provide new insights into coating performance, substrate characteristics, and support improvements in production yield.
• Design standardized tools and templates to generate test and measurement documentation, enabling repeatable manufacturing of high‑performance assemblies.

Customer‑facing

• Develop technical materials for customer‑facing publications, to aid customers in making informed buying decisions and understanding the operation of all devices.
• Interface with customers to provide technical support for optical assemblies.

Fulfillment of customer projects relating to optical assemblies

• Coordinate the design, assembly, verification, and documentation of optical cavities and advanced systems such as optical reference apparatus and spectroscopic instrumentation.
• Produce test reports and maintain traceability of measurements.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years relevant industry experience with BS, OR.
• 4–8 years post‑graduate experience (industry preferred) with an advanced degree.

Education

• BS in an optics or physics‑related engineering field.
• MS or PhD in optics or physics‑related field (preferred).

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Experience building optical and laser assemblies.
• Experience with advanced scientific instruments desired, e.g. PID servos, PLLs, frequency counters, RF spectrum analyzers, AOMs, and EOMs; experience generating noise budgets for optical metrology efforts.
• Strong knowledge of building instrument control interfaces using Python, C, and/or C++.
• Proficient 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.

The estimated pay range for this role is $110,000 – $125,000 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 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.