Test Engineer

Thorlabs; Newton (AL); On-site; USD 84,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

PTO

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Thorlabs, a leader in photonics components and systems, seeks a Test Engineer to verify product performance and drive automated testing. You will develop PC-based and stand‑alone test solutions, design test jigs, and generate data-backed reports for quality and compliance.

The role requires a bachelor’s in engineering, 3+ years in hardware test, and strong LabVIEW expertise. ITAR awareness and teamwork are essential in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of electronic hardware engineering experience.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical or mechanical preferred).
• US person required to work on ITAR products.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and interpret test data.
• Experience with automated test systems and LabVIEW.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated functional test programs for new and existing products.
• Design and build test jigs and stations and integrate equipment into test systems.
• Prepare test reports by collecting and analyzing data.
• Coordinate with design teams and document issues in a bug database.
• Support compliance activities and prepare conformity documentation.

Skills

LabVIEW

Schematic reading

Statistical analysis

Team collaboration

Test automation

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Test equipment

PC-based test systems

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, Thorlabs contributes 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 is responsible to verify that products operate as designed; ensures that all new product designs meet the relevant quality, compliance and safety standards. Test engineers create procedures and guidelines to ensure that products perform at a quality level and within governmental and industry regulations followed by manufacturers in both international and domestic markets. Working with both management and lower-level staff, test engineers coordinate information between departments, educating design teams about product specifications and participating in training of personnel.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Developing automated functional test programs for new and existing products.
• Develop tests for PC based and stand‑alone test equipment. This includes designing and building test jigs/stations, selecting test equipment, and integrating them into the test system
• Maintains engineering team accomplishments by reviewing open issues and action items; coordinating actions; contributing information and analysis to team meetings and reports.
• Prepares test reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing measurement data and trends.
• Updates job knowledge by tracking and understanding emerging engineering practices and standards; participating in educational opportunities and professional organizations; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks.
• Enhances engineering and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Test software releases during the product development; reports on test results and enters problems and issues into the bug database.
• Will assist compliance by designing and testing set‑ups for approval applications; recording test results; preparing investigative reports; preparing and filing Declarations of Conformity; maintaining compliance database.

Requirements

Must be a US person to work on ITAR products

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of electronic hardware engineering experience.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably electrical or mechanical engineering

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated capability of implementing production test systems utilizing automated programs such as LabView.
• Must be able to read and understand electrical schematics.
• Knowledge on packaging, production planning, manufacturing methods and procedures, manufacturing quality, process improvement
• Strong attention to details.
• Strong proficiency in MS office and communication tools.
• Excellent statistical data analysis and problem-solving abilities.
• Effectively reports progress and problems through written or oral reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong innovation skill.
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment.

The estimated pay range for this role is $84,000 - $87 ,500 annually

Benefits

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.