Electrical Engineer II

About the role

The Electrical Engineer II will serve as a technical lead within the CCI, driving the architecture and development of next-generation laboratory electronic products. This role requires a seasoned engineer capable of solving sophisticated hardware challenges in low-noise instrumentation and quantum photonics, while providing technical oversight to junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and schematic capture of high-precision analog and digital systems, ensuring optimal signal integrity for low-noise applications.
• Independently manage PCB layout strategies for complex, multi-layer boards involving high-speed signals, sensitive photonics interfaces, and varied power systems.
• Lead root-cause analysis for complex system failures and implement long-term design fixes.
• Cook up with mechanical, software, and photonics engineers to define system requirements and ensure seamless cross-disciplinary integration.
• Oversee and guarantee that all products meet rigorous international standards (EMC/EMI, UL, CE) through comprehensive validation planning.
• Act as a technical resource and provide oversight for early-career engineers, conducting design reviews and promoting engineering best practices.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5–10 years of professional experience specifically in precision analog design or high-performance instrumentation.
• Education: BSEE or MSEE or similar from an ABET accredited institution, with demonstrated equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Specialized Knowledge and Interests: Proficiency in EDA tools (including multi-layer stack-up and high-speed routing) and advanced SPICE/LTspice modeling for noise floor estimation, thermal behavior, and part tolerancing. Altium Designer is preferred.
• Hands-on experience performing advanced measurements of electronics (e.g., 1GHz+ oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers) and characterizing low-level signals.
• Deep understanding of the design considerations for precision analog design (pico-ampere sensing, low-drift op-amps), high-efficiency power conversion, and high-speed digital integration.
• Familiarity with embedded digital electronics including: microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices, volatile and non-volatile memories, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, UART and USB.
• Proven ability to author comprehensive Design Specifications, Test Plans, and Manufacturing Instructions; experienced in Design for Excellence (DFX)—specifically for manufacturability and test (DFM/DFT).
• Demonstrated success in contributing to cross-functional teams moving products from initial concept through New Product Introduction (NPI) and into low-volume/high-complexity production environments.
• Proficiency in advanced electronics rework, including fine-pitch SMT soldering and BGA troubleshooting, to facilitate rapid internal prototyping and failure analysis.
• Experience managing Signal Integrity (SI) and Power Integrity (PI) in sensitive analog-digital hybrid systems to minimize cross-talk and EMI.
• Architecting automated test environments using Python, LabVIEW, or C/C++ to streamline device characterization and production validation.
• A proven track record in photonics, laser control electronics, or precision measurement instrumentation, with a deep understanding of the unique noise and stability requirements of these fields.
• Experience designing systems incorporating FPGAs for signal processing and HDLs (e.g. VHDL or Verilog).

Pay

The estimated pay range for this role is $100,000 - $ 115,000 annually.

Schedule

Full-time position.

Benefits

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.