Manufacturing Engineer II

Job DescriptionJob Description

Purpose of the Position

The Manufacturing Engineer II is responsible for independently supporting and improving manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product quality and consistency. This role serves as a key contributor to cross-functional teams, applying engineering principles to troubleshoot complex production issues, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and support new product introduction. Manufacturing Engineer II works with greater autonomy than entry-level roles and may provide guidance to junior engineers or technicians while driving process optimization and supporting strategic manufacturing objectives.

Although the location of the position is in Morganville, 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:

• Identify, analyze, and resolve manufacturing issues affecting new product releases and existing production workflows through root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Lead and actively participate in design reviews with R&D and design teams to ensure products are designed for manufacturability and assembly, improving production quality, efficiency, and cost.
• Manage the transition of new products into manufacturing, ensuring compliance with approved release processes, specifications, and documentation requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, applications, production, and service teams to verify test specifications, maintain test tools, analyze production data, and address customer returns through effective problemsolving and corrective actions.
• Develop, maintain, and update manufacturing process documentation, including assembly instructions, test procedures, routing steps, and standard operating procedures.
• Design and implement jigs, fixtures, and production aids to enhance assembly efficiency, reduce component damage, and minimize operator fatigue.
• Collect and analyze route time and labor data to support accurate production scheduling, cost estimation, and continuous process improvement.
• Provide training and guidance to production personnel to improve manufacturing and testing processes and ensure adherence to updated procedures and safety protocols.
• Obtain and maintain specialized training and certifications as required for handling and testing of laser and imaging systems, including safety and optical alignment.

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.

Requirements

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in a relevant engineering position, or related position in a manufacturing environment.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, or equivalent working experience.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficient with Microsoft office products to generate assembly instruction documents, test plans and other communication documents.
• A good understanding of PLM systems and how they are used to maintain documents, drawings, test information and revision control.
• Experience with quality improvement tools and techniques (i.e., Failure Mode & Effects Analysis).
• Ability to work well in a group atmosphere and comply with high quality standards.
• Experience using standard measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, pin and thread gauges…. etc.)
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficient with the handling, cleaning and inspection of optical components.
• Experience with optical system design and testing is a plus.

Other: Travel up to 5% of working time.

Pay Range for this Position is $69,100 - 93,940 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 , , , , or expression, , , genetics, , 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.