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Salary
$34k per year
Location
In office (Ely)
Visa
No sponsorship (stated in the posting)
Employment
Contractor

Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 18, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 8, 2026. Thorlabs scores B on the Alion truth index.

Overview
Company
Impact
Profile match
Thorlabs, founded in 1989, designs and manufactures photonics and optoelectronics products and systems for research and industry. Its catalogue covers optical components, optomechanics, lasers and light sources, imaging systems, scientific cameras, electrophysiology equipment, optical tables and test and measurement instruments, produced at manufacturing sites in the United States, Europe and Asia including Ely in England. The company is headquartered in Newton, New Jersey, United States.

What is the job?

As an Electro-Mechanical Assembler, you are responsible for assembling products to a high-quality standard, by following specific standard operating procedures.

Working Hours: Monday to Thursday 4:30pm to 1:30am and Friday 12:30pm to 5:30pm

Department: Motion Control

Interview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting - First stage: 1 Hour Teams interview Second stage: Onsite 3 hour interview

What we would like you to do/ to see…

· Assembly of products to a high-quality standard

· Follow documented Standard Operating Procedures for products and general production processes

· Use of engineering measuring systems, such as metrology techniques, calibrations, and measuring parts against drawing

· Handling of small mechanical components

· Use soldering irons to join electronic components on circuit boards

· Daily tasks to ensure your workstation and surrounding areas are compliant with health and safety procedures

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 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is 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 is essential to us…

· Electro-Mechanical, Soldering or Assembly experience

· Experience of working to precise tolerances

· A good understanding of production methods and best practices (Lean)

· Detail oriented and able to work in a structured way, following standard work procedures and workflows

· Troubleshooting and finding root causes and solutions for technical problems

· Knowledge of proving and testing techniques for Mechanical / Electronics products

· Knowledge of Mechanical / Electronic Manufacturing assembly techniques

· A positive approach to continuous improvement/PDCA activities

· Ability to communicate clearly with colleagues and Team Leaders on any production related issues

· Demonstrated pride in your work - ensuring that after a training period every product you build is to the required quality standard

· A flexible approach to work requests - prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done

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?

£13.45 per hour + 15% second shift uplift, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-2231

Commitment bonus to be paid at the end of the contract if the relevant criteria has been met. Further information available from [email protected].

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

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 [email protected].

We are Disability Confident Committed

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.

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