Thorlabs Ltd are delighted to offer an Engineering Scholarship Programme through our UK Engineering Department. Our UK scholarship programme is open for University students graduating in an Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualificationin 2026.
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.
Our working environment
To thrive at Thorlabs, you must be positive minded, goal driven, and a strong team player focused on continuous improvement. In return, we provide customised training and development that accelerates your career progression.
What we offer you
The Engineering Scholarship Programme offers the following specific benefits:
- A scholarship of £9,250 in each of the remaining years of your undergraduate studies.
- A mentor from our engineering team will give one-on-one support during your placement.
- An 8-week placement each remaining summer of your degree.
- A guaranteed graduate-level job upon your graduation (subject to fulfilling certain requirements).
What we look for
Successful applicants to the Engineering Scholarship Programme will require:
- AAB at A Level in STEM subject areas.
- First year degree results of 2:1 or higher.
- A post-graduation employment commitment to Thorlabs of 3 years minimum.
- A passion for technology, excellent communication skills, the ambition to lead and the drive to achieve goals.
Your responsibilities
- With support from experienced engineers, design and improve mechanical mechanisms for precision motion control and vibration isolation systems
- Demonstrate some knowledge of concept, design, development and testing of theoretical designs following concurrent engineering approach
- Produce detailed specifications of the product from data analysis gathered from testing
- Brainstorm, discuss and review technical challenges with team members, sub-contractors, suppliers and manufacturing departments to find root cause and resolution to the problems
- Demonstrate some knowledge of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) in component and assembly designs
- With support from experienced engineers, ensure Design for Compliance is implemented in the design
- Ensure a product can be made reliably and will perform consistently in specified operating conditions
- Plan and oversee the product development process and ensure deadlines are met
- Consider implications of issues such as cost creep, compliance, safety and time constraints and with the assistance of experienced engineers, apply strategies to minimise them
- Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure complete knowledge transfer of products into production
Required knowledge and skills
- Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience or qualifications
- Basic understanding of materials selection for a wide range of mechanical assemblies
- A creative ability with attention to detail
- Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
Opportunities and requirements for career development include but are not limited to
- Junior Electrical Design Engineer, other engineering discipline
- Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude
- Positive contribution to multi-departmental initiatives and process improvements
- Building on theoretical knowledge gained from a university degree and applying this theory into real world applications and solutions
- Demonstration of product releases efficiently and smoothly into production
Additional details
- Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
- Closing date: Thursday 29th February 2024
- Assessment days: Tuesday 2nd & Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Due to the nature of this role, external international candidates need not apply.
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.
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 recruitment@thorlabs.com.
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.