Photonics Systems Engineer II

Thorlabs; Newton (NJ); On-site; USD 84,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Thorlabs in Newton, NJ is seeking an experienced professional to design, build, and test photonics tools for scientific and industrial applications. You will coordinate across engineering disciplines to advance product development, manage timelines and costs, and specify tests and procedures for development and release to production.

The role requires extensive experience with lasers, optical systems, and related software; you will support Manufacturing, Marketing and Service while assisting the

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Physics/Optics/Photonics/Electrical Engineering with at least 2 years post‑degree experience.
• Experience can substitute for MS degree (BS + 8+ years).
• 6+ years’ experience in industry or academia designing and building integrated photonic systems such as optical and electronic characterization tools/instruments, or active optical devices.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test photonics tools for scientific and industrial applications.
• Design experiments to qualify proof-of-concept technologies.
• Coordinate between engineering disciplines to support product development in a system engineering role.
• Manage project timeline and costs.
• Specify and perform testing to characterize catalog or system products, including data, procedures, and fixtures.
• Create specifications for key components and test procedures for development and release to production.
• Collaborate with software group to maximize functionality.
• Provide technical support to Manufacturing, Marketing and Service.
• Assist and/or troubleshoot the production team when problems arise.

Skills

Data analysis

Lasers

Electronics troubleshooting

Optical materials

Laser applications

Scientific software

Education

MS/PhD in Physics/Optics/Photonics/EE

BS + 8+ years experience substitution

Tools

MATLAB/LabVIEW/ZEMAX/SolidWorks/Python

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 position will have a wide range of functions from research and development to product management and release to production, specifically the development of scientific tools. Activities include design documentation, prototype verification and debug, test development, and transfer to manufacturing. It requires troubleshooting complex electronics and photonics systems and being committed to customer satisfaction. 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.

Essential Job Functions

• Designing, building, and testing photonics tools for scientific and industrial applications.
• Designing experiments to qualify proof-of-concept technologies.
• Supporting product development in a system engineering role, coordinating between all engineering disciplines to accomplish product design.
• Manage project timeline and costs
• Specify and perform the testing required to characterize catalog or system products. This includes technical data such as qualification test procedures, acceptance test procedures, report, testing jigs and fixtures, etc.
• Creating specifications for key components and test procedures as part of the development and release to production process.
• 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.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

Physical Activities

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand, as necessary.

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ experience in industry or academia designing and building integrated photonic systems such as optical and electronic characterization tools/instruments, or active optical devices.

Education

• Master of Science or PhD in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or other 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)

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Data analysis and control of laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of / experience with Lasers
• Electronics and electronic troubleshooting (analog and digital)
• Materials properties, especially optical
• Applications that use lasers and optics
• Scientific, photonic, and engineering software expertise is a plus (i.e. MATLAB, LabView, ZEMAX, SolidWorks, Python, etc.).

The salary range for this position is$84,000 - $111,000 D.O.E.

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.