Engineering Manager

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 Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team that develops complex photonics systems. This role is equally focused on engineering execution and team leadership, with strong emphasis on production readiness, manufacturing engineering, and disciplined processes. The Engineering Manager will manage component design and system integration, while ensuring designs are manufacturable, scalable, and aligned with quality and schedule commitments. This role is a hands-on leadership role that bridges R&D, manufacturing engineering, and operations.

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:

• Lead multidisciplinary teams in photonics component design and system integration.
• Drive iterative design cycles to shorten development time and improve outcomes.
• Balance new technology with proven solutions for reliability and production readiness.
• Apply DFM and DFA to optimize designs for manufacturing and assembly.
• Manage engineering schedules, milestones, dependencies, and critical path execution.
• Oversee system integration and validation across optical, mechanical, and electronic subsystems.
• Ensure ISO processes and PLM use, including documentation, BOMs, and change control.
• Partner with manufacturing engineering to support ramp, yield, and process stability.
• Foster a learning-focused, inquisitive team culture with testing and continuous improvement.
• Lead structured design reviews, cross-functional communication, and risk mitigation.
• Deliver regular performance updates on project status, risks, and emerging concerns.
• Monitor and report project and team performance, including individual accountability and results.

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.

Experience:

• 5–10 years engineering in design, manufacturing, quality, or PLM.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in complex photonics or precision systems.
• Ability to manage schedules, deliverables, and iterative development cycles.
• Minimum 2 years of engineering management experience or similar leadership role in the industry.

Education:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in rapid prototyping and iterative design to accelerate development.
• Strong DFM and DFA knowledge to ensure manufacturable, scalable designs.
• Experience with ISO-compliant processes, design control, and documentation.
• PLM proficiency, including BOM management, change control, and traceability.
• Ability to drive system integration and validation across multiple disciplines.
• Manufacturing engineering experience, including ramp, yield, and process stability.
• Strong communication skills for reporting performance, risks, and project status.
• Ability to build a learning-focused team balancing innovation and proven solutions.

Salary range for this position is $135,000-$160,000 depending on experience

Other: The position requires some travel including to Tradeshows and remote strategy meetings.

Direct Reports: This position has direct manager responsibilities of Engineers; including performance evaluations, schedules and PTO requests.

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.

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.