Thorlabs is seeking a Packaging Engineer with the ability to develop and implement solutions for storing, handling, transporting, and shipping delicate optical components of diverse shapes, sizes, and composition. This individual will work directly with production and engineering to create or improve solutions to help deliver product to market.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Designs packaging materials for safe handling and protection from typical environment of optical components throughout the manufacturing process.
• Employs techniques for space efficiency and equipment compatibility.
• Designs finished packaging for safe shipment of product to customers.
• Understands required degree of part cleanliness and its impact yield, returns, and quality.
• Understands environmental impact and utilizes “green” packaging whenever possible.
• Manages packaging life cycle. Upon introduction, train employees on packaging revision or creation to the appropriate personnel. Maintain cleaning procedures, and initiate end of life and replacement as needed.
• Analyses and upgrades existing packaging materials and designs for optimal performance and aesthetics.
• Manages library of acceptable packaging for each product, and minimize the variations required from product to product.
• Stays informed of latest trends to packaging within and outside of the photonics industry.
• Provides expertise and assistance in design to engineering and area managers.
• Operates testing equipment to understand the impact of material changes to product packaging designs.
• Provide technical support to the supply chain for packaging related issues.
• Analyzes how packaging characteristics affect manufacturing quality and throughput.
• Finds opportunities to reduce waste, costs, and increase the useful lifetime or recyclability of materials.
• Assists in complete support of product handling. Includes aid in tooling, jigs, storage locations, handling tools, and processes.