The Manufacturing Engineer I is responsible to help oversee and improve the production process for the division, teaching assembly techniques, improving manufacturing process issues, solving production related problems, and promoting quality throughout production and other departments. Although the location of the position is in Jessup, MD, 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:

• Responsible for identifying problems and providing solutions for manufacturing issues relating to newly released products, and current production workflow.

• Plan production layouts helping to facilitate lean manufacturing and six sigma (or equivalent) standards and practices.

• Participate in design reviews with engineering department to help identify and discuss proper procedures and potential issues with newly developed products prior to releasing for production.

• Training and collaboration with production personnel to continue improving on existing manufacturing and testing processes throughout the division.

• Interface with engineering and operations to ensure transfer to production of new product releases are in accordance with the approved release processes, requirements, and specifications.

• Collaborate with engineers to improve design quality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency by contributing to and updating design standards.

• Work with engineering to help verify test specifications and acceptance criteria for released products and identify critical dimensions or tolerances for newly released machine parts.

• Collaborate with the RMA and service departments to help inspect and disposition customer returns from the field. Identify, and assist in implementing root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent future failures.

• Create and maintain manufacturing process documents to reflect current and future conditions.

• Collaborate with technicians and assembly personnel to make necessary changes or revisions to assembly, test, and alignment procedures for division products.

• Create necessary jigs and fixtures to improve production efficiency or reduce component damage and waste.

• Assist in completing engineering changes identified through prototype and pilot runs to increase product manufacturability.

• Help create and maintain production routing steps and timing for newly released, and existing optoelectronic products.

• Assist in Rev Control and documentation verification.

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: The employee must frequently lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee must be capable of working in a cleanroom environment for extended periods of time (2-3 hours at a time) wearing standard cleanroom clothing and protection.

Qualifications

Experience: • 1-2 years of work experience in a relevant engineering position or related position in a manufacturing environment a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to carry engineering work from specification to completion of a project, whether in an academic or industry setting.

• Design for Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing experience a plus.

Education: • Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Manufacturing Engineering, or Related Technical Areas

Specialized Knowledge and Skills: • Basic computer knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.).

• Experience with manufacturing, configuration management, and product development in an R&D / New Product Development Environment.

• Experience with quality improvement tools and techniques (i.e., Lean, Six Sigma, Process Control, and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis).

• Strong 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.)

• Experience with SolidWorks and/or Python is a plus.

• Strong attention to detail.

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.