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.

• 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.

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

• 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.