Production Team Lead

Thorlabschina; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 90,000; 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

Thorlabs is seeking a Production Team Lead in Newton, NJ to oversee a workgroup focused on assembling a range of photonics products. The role requires coordinating daily tasks, ensuring plans and material lists are followed, and maintaining documentation and quality.

You will lead, train, and evaluate team members to meet timeframes and output standards. The ideal candidate has 2–5 years in production/assembly, strong English communication, and solid computer skills, with a focus on safety and

Qualifications

• Reads and communicates in English; basic math skills; proficient with a computer.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced knowledge of processes and operations.

Responsibilities

• Leads a team of employees and prioritizes work.
• Reads and follows plans, material lists and guidelines and distributes jobs.
• Fulfills all regular production duties and completes required paperwork.
• Ensures specific customizing demand.
• Organizes, leads and trains employees to complete products within established guidelines and time frames.
• Complies with all company policies and safety requirements; documents disciplinary actions if needed.
• Ensures management needs are met and maintained.
• Participates in interviews as needed.
• Advises planners of potential missed dates.

Skills

English communication

Basic math

Computer proficiency

Troubleshooting

Process knowledge

Communication & teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

High School or equivalent

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 oversees a Team in production of various products by performing the following duties. 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 include the following, but are not limited to:

• Leads a team of employees and prioritizes work.
• Reads and follows plans, material lists and guidelines and distributes jobs appropriately.
• Fulfills all regular production duties and completes required paperwork in a timely manner.
• Ensures specific customizing demand.
• Organizes, leads and trains employees to complete products within established guidelines and time frames.
• Complies with all company policies and procedures and safety requirements, including input into crewmember discipline and documentation.
• Ensures management needs are met and maintained.
• Participates in interviews as needed.
• Advises planners of potential missed dates.

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.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

Work may be active, could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Employees must grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts and components that are often very small. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, may be noisy at times. Must be able to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as but not limited to masks, glasses, gloves, and specialty garments. The required PPE and training allow for the safe handling and processing of chemicals like adhesives, lubricants and solvents, and safe operation of job related equipment and tools.

Qualifications Experience:

• 2-5 years' experience in production/assembly environment.

Education:

• High School education or equivalent

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to read and communicate in English, have basic math skills and be proficient using a computer.
• Troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Advanced knowledge of processes and operations
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

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.