Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor

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 oversees a team of Manufacturing Engineers within the Manufacturing Engineering group with the intent improving the production process for the division, teaching assembly techniques, improving manufacturing process issues, solving production related problems, and promoting quality throughout production and related departments. 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:

• Supervises a team of Manufacturing Engineers ensuring compliance to company standards and developing their skillset to promote career growth
• Fulfills all regular Manufacturing Engineer duties and completes required efforts in a timely manner Includes performing more complex duties and larger scale initiatives
• Organizes, supervises, leads and trains employees to complete projects within established guidelines and time frames
• Ensure management needs are met and maintained.
• Advise supervisor of work status, workload, problems and progress as related to work assignments
• Identify processes that can be corrected or improved upon and bring to the attention of the division with the likely outcome of leading the initiative
• Supports R&D and product development projects
• Reviews requests for custom products
• Leads project review to management
• Complies with all company policies and procedures and safety requirements, including crewmember discipline and documentation.
• Participates in the recruiting process as necessary to maintain sufficient staffing of team
• Lead technical resource for product line(s) served
• Project management of advanced technical skill level projects

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, the position is 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.
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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

Requirements:
Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar and progressive position with supervisory/leadership experience preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related engineering disciplines. Master’s degree preferred.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with SolidWorks, CAD, or other modeling software.
• Proficiency in macro generation through use of Visual Basic for Applications.
• Familiarity with optical modeling software, specifically Zemax and TFCalc.
• Demonstrated technical background and hands on experience in such fields as optics, fiber optics, mechanical design, laser optics, polarization and telecommunications.
• Hands on experience with optics including alignment, measurement, and testing.
• Knowledge of current optical and fiber optics design, fabrication, assembly, and test techniques.
• Strong project management skills with a deep sense of ownership.
• Strong ability to take initiative.
• Demonstrated innovation.
• Flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational skills and aptitude for preparedness.
• Familiarity with production processes, workflow, routes, ROI, quality (Six-Sigma, Lean, etc.), accountability of personnel, and engineering procedures.

Organizational Relationships Direct Reports: This position supervises an area of employees within the department and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within that area.

Pay range for this position is $99,000 - $130,000 depending on experience

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.

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..