Photonics Systems Engineer I - Early Career, Great Benefits

Thorlabs; Newton (NJ); On-site; USD 99,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Thorlabs in Newton, NJ, seeks an early-career to mid-level engineer to design, test, and bring photonics tools from concept to production. You’ll work across R&D, product management, and manufacturing, tackling electronics and optical systems, with emphasis on validation, documentation, and collaboration with software teams.

Requirements include a MS/PhD in physics/optics or related fields, plus hands-on experience with lasers, optics, and lab equipment. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Master of Science or PhD in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering disciplines; with at least 2 years of relevant industry or academic experience post-degree.
• Experience can substitute for MS Degree (BS + 8+ Years)

Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and testing photonics tools for scientific and industrial applications.
• Designing experiments to qualify proof-of-concept technologies.
• Specify and perform testing to characterize catalog or system products; include procedures, reports, jigs, fixtures.
• Creating specifications for key components and test procedures for development and release to production.
• Manage collaboration with software group to maximize functionality and technology usage.
• Providing technical support to Manufacturing, Marketing and Service.
• Assist and/or troubleshoot our production team when problems arise.
• Responsible for data entry in the Thorlabs ERP system.

Skills

Integrated photonics

Data analysis

Lasers

Electronics troubleshooting

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Optics knowledge

Education

Master of Science in Physics/Optics/Electrical Engineering

PhD in Physics/Optics/Electrical Engineering

Industry/academic experience post-degree (2+ years)

Tools

ZEMAX

SolidWorks

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

Thorlabs in Newton, NJ, seeks an early-career to mid-level engineer to design, test, and bring photonics tools from concept to production. You’ll work across R&D, product management, and manufacturing, tackling electronics and optical systems, with emphasis on validation, documentation, and collaboration with software teams.

Requirements include a MS/PhD in physics/optics or related fields, plus hands-on experience with lasers, optics, and lab equipment. Competitive salary and benefits offered.