This position is for an entry to mid-level individual who has an optical and/or opto-mechanical design background. Position entails the development and design of new products for the optics product line. The engineer will be responsible for managing the project from concept to finished product. 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:

• Design new products to add to the Thorlabs online catalog including thin film coatings, lenses, polarization optics, prisms, gratings, opto-mechanics, collimators, isolators, spectroscopy accessories, microscopy sub-assemblies, etc.
• Review customer source control drawings, specification control drawings and other applicable specifications to determine requirements and/or feasibility of the component. Communicate with customers to understand and define their needs.
• Perform all necessary calculations such as optical simulation, thin film optimization, FEA/Stress/Thermal analysis, and polarization/retardance performance.
• Prepare design proposals and documents.
• Interact with production personnel to define and solve manufacturing/design issues and implement cost reduction ideas with regard to company products.
• Assists drafting, lab testing, manufacturing, quality, and planning as required.
• Perform liaison function between engineering team and all manufacturing operations for any related issues, problems, or improvements.
• Work with the quality department to define problem areas and implement product improvements based on customer repair/rejection concerns.
• Participate in engineering and general design reviews as required.
• Prepare technical data such as qualification test procedures, acceptance test procedures, reports, component maintenance manuals, etc.
• Interact with vendors and purchasers concerning supplied and proposed components.
• Responsible for all changes and problems related to assigned product lines.
• Acts as technical expert for the company for both internal and external customers.
• Coordinate as required with other internal groups including Sales, Accounting personnel, Fabrication, Technical Marketing, Technical Support, OEM Team, Management, Planning, and Assembly.
• When requested performs duties of the Engineering Manager during the manager’s absence.
• Advise supervisor of work status, workload, problems and progress as related to work assignments.
• Responsible for entire product life cycle.
• Monitor and analyze assigned competitors’ trends, acquisitions, and product lines with the intent of reporting to the group weekly and posting to internal forum when applicable.
• Keep current with newest applications, products, and manufacturing techniques within the industry. Share, discuss, and collaborate while looking for opportunities to implement.