EU remote
Engineering Manager
About this role
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.