Applications Engineer I

About the role

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. The Applications Engineer I serves as a key link between customers and the Laser Systems and Technology (LST) business unit by translating customer needs and market feedback into product requirements. This position bridges engineering, manufacturing, sales, and customers by testing and validating prototypes, supporting the production of complex laser systems, demonstrating product capabilities through customer demos and technical content, and capturing real-world feedback to guide continuous product improvement.

This role also provides hands-on support for product assembly and testing, enabling the engineer to deliver effective customer training, technical support, application development, and product demonstrations. The position is based in Jessup, MD, and requires periodic travel to customer sites for installations and training, to trade shows to represent LST's products, and to other Thorlabs locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and develop application experiments and support documentation to enable effective product adoption and customer success
• Plan and execute structured testing of prototypes and translate results into actionable engineering feedback for product improvement and future product development
• Evaluate and benchmark prototype designs against competitive market solutions
• Design and build compelling product demonstrations for tradeshows, customer visits, and internal reviews
• Author technical whitepapers, application notes, and performance reports that clearly communicate product capabilities and advantages
• Provide technical support and training to customers, remotely or at the customer site, depending on the requirements for the specific product
• Gather customer feedback, application challenges, and new product ideas through direct engagement at trade shows
• Coordinate and deliver timely, high-quality responses to customer technical inquiries, ensuring accurate documentation in CRM systems
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, marketing, and sales to align product requirements, messaging, and go-to-market activities
• Maintain accurate records of customer engagements, opportunities, and technical issues within ERP/CRM tools to support business visibility
• Support production, characterization, and testing of complex spectroscopy and laser systems
• Meet company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in compliance with company policies and procedures
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments

Requirements

Experience: 1-3 years of hands-on experience with optical instrumentation either in academia or industry.

Education: Bachelor's degree (BS), or higher in Physics, Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Material Sciences.

Skills

Required:

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience in application development and customer support is highly desirable
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with laser systems, optical components, optical system alignment and testing
• Experience with the design and use of optical frequency comb systems
• Experience using vendor software packages and chemometric packages used for spectroscopy
• Experience with software for data acquisition and data processing
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations

Pay

The estimated pay range for this role is $80,000 - $87,000.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Generous PTO package
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement