Photonics Support Engineer I

Thorlabs; Newton (NJ); On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life insurance

Generous PTO package

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading photonics technology company located in Newton, NJ, is seeking a Photonics Support Engineer I to provide entry-level technical support. In this role, you will solve problems, troubleshoot issues, and interact with customers to guide them to the best product solutions. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Optics or Physics, with the eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment. The position offers a competitive salary range of $62,000 - $70,000 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Entry level to 3 years of photonics product and applications support experience.
• Lab experience with optics, mechanics, lasers, and electrical components is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support via phone, web chat & e-mail to customers worldwide.
• Reproduce setups and create technical solutions in the lab.
• Support Marketing and Sales activities by attending tradeshows and customer visits.

Skills

Knowledge of photonics and laser technology

Strong communication proficiency

Problem-solving abilities

Attention to detail

Ability to multitask

Eagerness to learn

Education

BSc, MSc or PhD degree in Optics, Physics or related field

Job description

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.

The Photonics Support Engineer I is responsible for providing entry level technical support by solving problems, troubleshooting, and working with customers to guide them to the best possible product solutions for their applications and experiments. The position works with several other Photonics Support and Design Engineers to support optics, lasers and light sources, fiber, opto-mechanics, motion control, microscope and other imaging systems, telecom instruments and more. Between onsite lab opportunities, customer interactions, tradeshows and Thorlabs manufacturing entities visits, the position can be exposed to every facet of the photonics industry.

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support via phone, web chat & e-mail to customers worldwide.
• Interface with multiple support teams around the world to implement best practices globally.
• Reproduce setups and create technical solutions in the lab.
• Demonstrate knowledge and problem‑solving abilities in providing technical support to customers who purchase from our extensive product portfolio.
• Develop and provide customized solutions, assist in the design of custom products.
• Support Marketing and Sales activities by attending tradeshows and customer visits.
• Participate in managing the development of Thorlabs products by being part of an interactive development forum.
• Develop marketing materials like test data, white papers, or video for use on our website or through another distribution channel.
• Develop skill in the use of test equipment to help influence the design of next‑generation photonics products.
• Contribute to training of new team members by sharing your unique skills.

Requirements

• Experience: Entry level to 3 years of photonics product and applications support experience. Will accept recent college graduate with bachelor’s degree. Lab experience with optics, mechanics, lasers, and electrical components a plus.
• Education: BSc, MSc or PhD degree in Optics, Physics or a related engineering field or equivalent work experience.
• Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
  • Knowledge of photonics and laser technology via work or laboratory experience.
  • Strong communication proficiency and presentation skills.
  • Ability to multitask, show attention to details, and to solve multidisciplinary problems under time constraints.
  • Ability to develop and communicate department goals in support of Thorlabs’ mission and respond to all interactions in a positive manner.
  • Eagerness to learn about new technologies, processes, and business models.
  • Work schedule may be staggered times to cover our 8 am–8 pm hours of operation.
  • Opportunities to travel to tradeshows, other Thorlabs manufacturing facilities (foreign and domestic), and training events on and off site.

The estimated pay range for this role is $ 62,000 - $ 70,000 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affimative 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.