Data Steward II

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 Data Steward improves the trust, quality, and usability of enterprise data across Thorlabs’ analytics ecosystem, including Dynamics 365, Azure Synapse, ADLS, and Power BI. This role is responsible for defining and maintaining business terms and critical data elements, documenting data lineage, establishing and monitoring data quality rules, and partnering with Data Engineers, Data Analysts, and business subject-matter experts to remediate issues and standardize definitions.

The Data Steward drives consistent understanding of KPIs and calculations, supports change governance, and communicates impacts to stakeholders so data-driven decisions can be made with confidence. Success in this role requires strong communication, organization, and collaboration across the Enterprise Data Management team and business partners.

Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

• This position may have access to ITAR related information. As a condition of employment for this position, the successful candidate must be able to submit documentation establishing U.S. Person status (e.g. a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Workers granted Refugee status, or Workers granted Asylum) upon hire.

• 5+ years of experience in data stewardship, data governance, data management, or closely related analytics roles.
• Hands-on SQL experience for tracing data lineage and validating business rules.
• Practical experience with Azure data platforms (Azure Synapse, ADLS) and Power BI (datasets, lineage, endorsement workflows).
• Demonstrated ability to establish glossaries and definitions and to manage structured data quality and issue remediation processes with business stakeholders.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and stakeholder-engagement skills across technical and non-technical audiences.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Data Management, Computer Science, Analytics, or a related field.

• Familiarity with Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations data structures or Synapse Link.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Purview or similar data cataloging tools.
• Experience using Azure DevOps for backlog and issue management and comfort working within Git-based change workflows. • Strong documentation, presentation, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

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.