Photonics Solutions Engineer I Newton, New Jersey US - OEM Sales

Thorlabs; Newton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Thorlabs is seeking a Photonics Solutions Engineer I in Newton, NJ to support the sales team with technical expertise. You will capture customer requirements, translate them into solutions, and coordinate with engineering and manufacturing to deliver custom optics-driven results.

The role requires 2+ years in optics, a BS in optics/physics/engineering, and strong MS Office/CRM/ERP skills. Up to 25% travel and ITAR compliance are part of the job, with a pay range of $69,000–$80,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with optics and optical systems.
• Experience in technical sales or applications support is ideal.
• Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics or engineering.
• US citizen for ITAR products.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with Field and Inside Sales to qualify leads and develop opportunities.
• Captures customer requirements and communicates Thorlabs capabilities.
• Coordinates with internal engineering and manufacturing to align custom solutions.
• Up to 25% travel to visit customers and tradeshows.

Skills

Optics

Technical Sales

MS Office

CRM

ERP/MRP

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in optics/physics/engineering

Tools

CRM

ERP/MRP

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, Thorlabscontributes 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 Solutions Engineer I is a key technical resource responsible for supporting our sales team in our technical sales activities. This role uses their technical expertise to act as a liaison between our customers and our engineering and manufacturing teams. 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.

• Collaborates as part of a functional team with Field and Inside Sales to provide technical expertise during sales lead qualification and opportunity development.
• Works directly with Thorlabs customers to capture requirements for custom requests, communicate Thorlabs capabilities and technical services.
• Works directly with internal engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure custom solutions are aligned to a customer’s needs.

Must be a US citizen/person to work on ITAR products

Experience:

• 2+ years of experience with optics and optical systems.
• Experience in technical sales or applications support is ideal

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics or engineering related field.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Viso). Advanced proficiency in Outlook and Excel, ERP/MRP systems or CRM is preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, be detail oriented, and creatively solve problems, all while under time constraints.
• Willing to constantly learn new technologies, new applications, and new developed products.
• Ability to write and speak English fluently.

Up to 25% travel to visit customers as well as attend tradeshows. Compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

The estimated pay range for this role is $69,000 - $ 80,000 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.

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.