Production Supervisor

Base Pay Range

$65,783.00/yr - $80,000.00/yr

The Production Supervisor provides leadership, guidance, and supervision for the assigned area(s). This individual works closely with management to ensure quality products are safely and efficiently produced within scheduled timelines. The supervisor hires, trains, and manages performance of employees in the assigned area. The position is based in Newton, NJ, but may require time at other Thorlabs locations.

• Comply with safety regulations, including chemical handling, personal protective equipment, and equipment utilization.
• Supervise all personnel within the assigned group; develop a successful team, facilitate change, and align group performance to company values using the Performance Management system.
• Ensure new and existing employees are trained and maintain proper training records.
• Meet production volume and quality goals; maintain workflow through the production floor.
• Interview new hires to fill openings and match capacity to demand.
• Ensure compliance with department and company policies and implement corrective steps with Management and Human Resources.
• Mediate employee disagreements and monitor attendance; complete performance assessments and make promotion/termination recommendations.
• Create a positive work environment where employees are engaged.
• Oversee product output and ensure practices follow the Thorlabs Quality Management System and Advanced Photonics Instructions.
• Frequent checks of product quality and resolve any resulting quality issues.
• Work with Production Planning/Purchasing to establish and maintain a schedule that optimizes On‑Time Delivery.
• Advise on design and lead times for Custom and OEM products.
• Manage consumption and assembly supplies to ensure availability.
• Ensure instructions are updated as needed, accurate, and repeatable.
• Report problems and improvement opportunities to the Engineering team and help implement solutions.
• Partner with Facility Engineering to perform Preventative Maintenance and minimize downtime.

Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar and progressive supervisory/leadership role.

High School diploma or equivalent.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; basic math skills.
• Proficiency in using a computer.
• Problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills.
• General industrial safety knowledge.
• Ability to shift from one task to another to address changing production priorities.

Work may be active, requiring standing or sitting for long durations and performing repetitive tasks. The employee may lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Work involves handling very small parts and components. Noise level is usually moderate; PPE such as masks, glasses, gloves, and specialty garments may be required. Safe handling of chemicals and operation of equipment are essential.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Generous PTO package
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at‑will employer.

Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Entry level

Full‑time

Production

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing