Engineering Technician II

Company: Thorlabs
Location: Ann Arbor
Posted on: May 1, 2025

Job Description:

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

The primary responsibility is to support engineering staff in product development, release to production, and sustaining engineering. Supported products include optical, mechanical, electronic, and software components. This position is also responsible for initial technical support for the production staff, troubleshooting of prototypes and tests as necessary, and development and review of assembly and test procedures. Although the location of the position is in Ann Arbor, MI, it may be required to travel to various locations including other Thorlabs entities and customer/vendor locations.

Essential Job Functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assembly and testing of precision optical, electrical, and mechanical components.
Understand, develop, and modify written work instructions for a wide range of products as they apply to the development, test, release, and production of products and subcomponents
Understand mechanical drawings and electronic schematics for the purpose of building and debugging hardware
Ability to produce and modify prototype electrical, mechanical, and optical system under general direction without detailed work instructions
Work with various types of optical and electronic test equipment for troubleshooting opto-electronic components and finished goods
Run appropriate computer programs to analyze data, isolate problem areas and determine the required course of action.
Maintain accurate records, data collection, test reports, and quality checklists.
Help to identify and solve conditions requiring more complex resolution like recurring failures, potential service issues, or new product introduction issues.
Coaching and training of assembly staff.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment and comply with standard policies
Optoelectronic Assembly Focused Role

Develop, test, refine, perform, and document new processes for micro-optical assembly including adhesive dispense, component attach, handling of precision optics, and precision opto-electronic alignment
Develop, test, refine, perform, and document new processes for electronics assembly including fine-pitch SMT component placement, SMT rework and hand soldering
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: No physical demands required to perform duties. 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 as electronics technician or equivalent in a production environment
Education:

Associates Degree in Electronics, Photonics, Computer Science, or another technology-focused area preferred
Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

Demonstrated experience in using hand tools
IPC-A-610 soldering certification preferred
Excellent attention to detail
Fast and effective problem-solving abilities
Process improvement experience
Detail oriented, highly organized, and enjoy following & developing processes
Ability to read schematic diagrams and identify electronic components
Experience with electronic testing using oscilloscopes, probes, and multi-meters
Experience with optical and fiber-optic components
Skilled in Microsoft programs: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Basic understanding of electronics and photonics theory
Optoelectronic Assembly Focus

Experience soldering and reworking electronic components including fine pitch SMT parts
Experience with cleaning, handling, and mounting of precision optics and fiber optics
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.

Keywords: Thorlabs, Saginaw , Engineering Technician II, Engineering , Ann Arbor, Michigan