Product Assembler - FTC
Listed on 2026-02-20
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Manufacturing / Production
Manufacturing Production, Assembly, Manufacturing Engineer
What is the job?
As a Product Assembler 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 completing final assembly of vibration isolation and lab infrastructure products, you will be trained to operate within a wide range of processes and equipment, identifying opportunities to improve product quality and production output.
Candidates will also be fully trained to support other areas as required, namely the assembly of accessory products and MB breadboard inspection and packing.
Monday-Thursday 7:30am-4:30pm and Friday 7:30am-12:30pm
DepartmentTables
Interview Process2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30 minute Teams interview;
Second stage:
OnSite 1 hour interview
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.
Whereyou will be working
Our purpose‑built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful medieval 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.
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
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Good level of mechanical aptitude and practical skill is desired
- Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
- Proven ability to work in a team environment
- Assembly of Vibration Isolation Systems (Legs, Frames, Enclosures and sub‑assemblies), from the picking of piece parts to the packing of the product ready for dispatch
- Accurate kitting of the component parts, maintaining high levels of component stock accuracy
- Correct interpretation of work order and assembly instructions
- Work within an allocated team to achieve scheduled manufacturing targets
- Accurate processing of all associated paperwork
- Demonstrate a willingness to support Team Leaders in the development and implementation of workplace initiatives, including but not limited to cross‑training and development programmes
- Support and drive problem solving and quality/performance improvement
- Willingness to learn and support in other assembly and inspection roles within the Tables Business Unit
At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for in‑house 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?Competitive salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
Contributed Pension Scheme – Group Life Cover – Private Health Care – Group Income Protection & more.
Job ReferenceTHOR-VC-1743
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.
Commitment bonus to be paid at the end of the contract if the relevant criteria have been met. Further information available from
We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.
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.
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.
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
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