What is the job?

As an integral part of our Engineering Team, the Mechanical Design Engineer, Manufacturing will work in close collaboration with Quality, Design and Production teams to design innovative solutions to meet the needs of our manufacturing operations as well as leading and supporting process improvement initiatives. You will need to be driven and want to improve your knowledge.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm

What is essential to us…

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering or equivalent

• Experience

• in product development with proven record of released products

• working with, building and/or designing special purpose machinery

• in precision component design (down to micron level tolerances would be beneficial)

• in 2D and 3D CAD systems (Solidworks experience would be beneficial)

• with producing high quality manufacturing drawings containing full tolerance and detailed finishing specifications

• An understanding of compliance and safety legislation such as, but not limited to, Machinery Directive, Pressure Equipment Directive, PUWER Regulations & LOLER Regulations

• Able to work within a multidisciplinary and diverse team/setting

• Have an awareness of and apply LEAN working principles to all tasks/projects

• Ability to multitask, time manage and work independently, to identify and resolve problems whilst adhering to core values and maintaining a positive attitude

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 13 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

You’ll be working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

Requirements

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• Manufacturing Engineering design responsibility for heavy manufacturing and precision mechanical/electrical devices

• Lead the design, test, procurement and introduction new machinery, equipment, jigs and fixtures as well as design for precision electro/mechanical devices, ensuring all compliance and H&S requirements are met

• Lead, support and implement process improvement initiatives to improve production efficiency and productivity

• Develop Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) solutions to existing products and processes

• Provide a rapid response and resolution to any production issues, including but not limited to jig or fixture problems, manufacturing & assembly problems, quality of parts

• Support the R&D teams with new product introductions to provide smooth transition into production

• Assist and provide support in creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)

• Assist the production maintenance teams to help reduce production downtime

• Collaborate with Quality Engineering to ensure part quality issues identified are investigated, root cause established and resolved in a timely manner

• Assess alternative component parts for a product to ensure continuity of supply chain

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-323

Please contact us for a friendly discussion around salary at (url removed)

Benefits

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail (url removed).

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.