Manufacturing Operator (Cell 1, First Shift) - 1088

Thorlabs
Ely
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Production Operatives - Back Shift

Production Operatives - Day Shift

Manufacturing Technician Coil winding- FTC

Production CAD Design Engineer

Senior Shift Engineer, Wafer Fab Equipment

Senior Photonics Engineer

What is the job?
As a Manufacturing Operator you will be very much ‘hands on’ in this physical role, working as part of the production team, expressing a can-do attitude and eye for quality. In addition to producing high tolerance components, critical to the quality of a finished product, you will be trained to operate a wide range of processes and equipment and identify opportunities to improve product quality and production output.

 

Working Hours: Monday to Thursday 6am to 2:30pm and Fridays 6am to 1pm

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…

·         A practical ‘hands on’ approach with experience in a manufacturing environment

·         High level of attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus

·         Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly

·         Proven ability to work in a team environment

·         Good verbal and written communication skills

·         Good level of mechanical aptitude and practical skill is desired

 

What we would like you to do/ to see…

·         Working within an allocated team to achieve scheduled manufacturing targets

·         You will be trained and developed to set and operate a wide range of precision industrial machinery

·         Maintaining high levels of attention to detail at all times, recording and communicating accurate technical measurements and readings

·         Communicate product status accurately via the production control system and associated paperwork

·         Participate in cross-training to increase knowledge and experience of the Tables Business Unit

·         Support and drive problem solving and quality/performance improvementt

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?

£12.65 per hour, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

 

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1088

 

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 hereSchool 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

1d9df0756b97de3ca3cff2432a066cfb.png-Contributed Pension Scheme5161fae0b975b7364228077b183258ac.png-Group Life Coverb6a6454e1f80e14fb65c722973e86d9f.png-Private Health Caree850ec11c8473c8e62469f16a60f3ef3.png-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 .
2d95928a5b7ab12772dceb2f6f4ae82b.png

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.

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for Quantum Computing Jobs: Proven 4-Paragraph Structure

Learn how to craft the perfect cover letter for quantum computing jobs with this proven 4-paragraph structure. Ideal for entry-level candidates, career switchers, and professionals looking to advance in the quantum computing sector. When applying for a quantum computing job, your cover letter is an essential part of your application. Quantum computing is a groundbreaking field with the potential to transform industries, and your cover letter provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, passion, and understanding of quantum computing technologies. Writing a cover letter for quantum computing roles may seem challenging, but with the right structure, you can highlight your strengths effectively. Whether you're new to quantum computing, transitioning from another field, or looking to advance your career, this article will guide you through a proven four-paragraph structure. We’ll provide sample lines and practical tips to help you create a compelling cover letter that stands out in the competitive quantum computing job market.

Veterans in Quantum Computing: A Military-to-Civilian Pathway into Quantum-Tech Careers

Introduction Quantum technology is shifting from physics‑lab curiosity to strategic capability. London and Oxford spin‑outs have already attracted £1.4 billion in private investment (UK Quantum Landscape 2024), and HM Treasury’s £2.5 billion National Quantum Strategy (2024‑2034) aims to create 80,000 new jobs by 2030 across computing, sensing, and communications. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) treats quantum supremacy as a national‑security imperative—funding quantum‑safe cryptography pilots and battlefield quantum‑sensing via Dstl and the Defence Quantum Technologies Centre (DQTC). For veterans, quantum shouldn’t feel alien. Whether maintaining chilled infrared sensors, securing cryptographic keys, or troubleshooting avionics at 3 a.m., you have cultivated the rigour, resilience, and security clearance that quantum employers crave. This guide shows how to translate military experience into quantum‑computing careers, leverage MoD transition programmes, and land roles building tomorrow’s most powerful machines. Quick Win: Check our live board for Quantum Software Engineer roles to see who’s hiring today.

The Ultimate 2025/ 26 Guide to Quantum Machine Learning Jobs in the UK

Quantum computing is hurtling out of the laboratory and into board‑room road‑maps. Since 2014, UK‑based quantum start‑ups have raised ≈ £1 billion in private capital.¹ IBM’s 1 121‑qubit Condor (2023) heralded the first >1 000‑qubit superconducting chip; its 2024 roadmap delivered the 462‑qubit Flamingo processor, and a 1 386‑physical‑qubit “Kookaburra” system—formed by linking three Flamingos—is slated for 2025‑26.² Westminster has committed £2.5 billion to its National Quantum Strategy.³ As the underlying hardware scales, employers are scrambling to hire professionals who can fuse quantum principles with modern machine‑learning practice—creating a perfect storm of opportunity for early movers. Whether you are a physicist pivoting into software, a data scientist intrigued by qubits, or a CTO seeking rare talent, this 2025 guide demystifies the rapidly evolving market for quantum machine‑learning (QML) jobs. You will learn where the roles are appearing, which skills command the highest salaries, and how pioneering organisations—from banks to biotech—are already extracting value from quantum‑accelerated AI. Dive in and position yourself at the forefront of an industry set to reshape computing as we know it.