Photonics Support Engineer(m/w/x)

Thorlabs; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

30 days of vacation

Company pension scheme

Health insurance options

Support for personal development

Wide range of health and sports activities

Leasing options (JobRad)

Free charging stations for e-bikes and electric cars

Annual company events

Job summary

Thorlabs is seeking a Photonics Support Engineer to deliver exceptional technical assistance to customers through various channels. This role acts as a critical link between the customers and the engineering teams, ensuring high-quality post-sales support.

Ideal candidates will possess a Master’s degree in a scientific discipline, hands-on experience with photonics equipment, and strong communication skills in both German and English. Benefits include flexible working hours, health insurance options, and various perks to support your professional development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience with optical setups and laboratory environments.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support via phone, webchat, and email.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Technical Support teams.
• Analyze customer applications to troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Technical support

Communication in German (C1)

Communication in English (B2)

Problem-solving

Education

Master’s degree in Photonics, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

The Photonics Support Engineer delivers high-quality technical assistance to customers and internal teams through phone, webchat, and email. Acting as a key interface between customers, engineering, and global support teams, this role ensures excellent post-sales support for locally designed and manufactured products while contributing to continuous product improvement and innovation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical support to scientific and industrial customers via phone, webchat, and email, focusing on post-sales and service inquiries
• Collaborate with local Engineering and global Technical Support teams to deliver accurate solutions and guidance
• Analyze customer applications to troubleshoot issues and recommend optimal product solutions
• Support global sites with expertise on locally manufactured products
• Collect and share customer feedback with Engineering and Marketing to improve products, documentation, and identify new opportunities
• Assist with product testing, documentation reviews, and development of product demonstrations
• Occasionally support and attend national and international trade shows
• Provide technical support to internal stakeholders (e.g., Sales, Customer Service, Quality/RMA) and assist with quality-related stock checks

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Photonics, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent practical experience)

• Hands‑on experience with optical setups, photonics equipment, or laboratory environments
• Strong communication skills in German (C1) and English (B2)
• Basic programming experience (e.g., LabVIEW, Python) is an advantage
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow through on complex topics
• High level of curiosity and motivation to continuously learn and develop new technical skills

Benefits & perks

• Flexible working hours (arranged individually), 30 days of vacation, mobile work
• Company pension scheme & health insurance options
• Support for your personal development and career growth
• Wide range of health and sports activities (Urban Sports Club, company runs, etc.)
• Leasing options (JobRad)
• Free charging stations for e‑bikes and electric cars
• Option to take a time‑out
• Annual company events and social activities