Early & Emerging Talent Acquisition Specialist

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 Early & Emerging Talent Acquisition Specialist is responsible for overseeing the recruitment process for early talent across all US locations. Primary responsibilities will include managing the employee experience, developing local and national recruiting plans, utilizing traditional and strategic recruitment methods to fill positions, identifying future talent, and developing key strategic relationships and programs with universities, colleges, and community organizations. The position reports to the Talent Acquisition Leader.

• Responsible for the entire recruitment and employee experience from job description development to offer extension for early talent hires.
• Develop recruitment strategies to achieve required staffing levels; work closely with Business Unit Leaders and Managers to understand current recruitment needs and develop comprehensive recruiting plans
• Actively and passively seek top talent; conduct phone screens/initial interviews; provide initial screening for managers to obtain work history, education, training, job skills, salary requirements; explain benefits packages to potential candidates
• Arrange phone/on-site interviews with management and team members; Arrange travel and lodging for applicants through a corporate travel agent, if necessary, and manage candidate expense reimbursement process.
• Responsible for managing the candidate offer process, including offer formulation, terms & conditions of benefits & relocation, offer negotiation, and conducting reference and background checks; work closely with the HR team to establish an appropriate start date and request initiation of HR/IT new hire setup.
• Schedule and attend job/career fairs and trade shows with appropriate staff as a source to generate qualified candidates.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with local & regional colleges, universities, and community college placement offices as a source to generate qualified applicants
• Develop and maintain an expansive Cooperative Education Program (Co-Op/Intern Program) for high school and college students
• Partner with HRBP/Generalists to develop recruitment plans and talent strategies
• Partner with TA Team to coordinate and facilitate offers and onboard candidates.
• Post open positions on the Company’s website and external job sites. 

Annual Pay Range for this position is $69,000 - $86,500 depending on experience

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 complies 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.

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in recruitment or related experience.

• · Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience 

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• College recruiting experience is a plus
• Highly motivated, results-driven, and able to work independently as well as with the team.
• Knowledge of employment law preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and written skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; Workable and/or UKG a plus
• Travel required (25%)

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.