Senior Manufacturing Operator

Senior Manufacturing Operator (Cell 1, First Shift) - 2259

Thorlabs · Ely, United Kingdom · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-20

Workplace: on_site

Department: Tables-Budget (FTC/TEMP/Budgeted Head/Replacement)

Description

What is the job?

As a Senior Manufacturing Operator 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. Your core responsibility will be to run the Trumpf TruLaser 3030, Mazak Optiplex NEO and Amada Brake Press (full training provided), processing sheet materials, feeding the Press Brake and Drilling Machines as part of the Optical Tables product line.  In addition, you will be trained to master a wide range of processes and equipment and identify opportunities to improve product quality and production output.

Working Hours: Monday to Thursday 6am to 2:30pm and Fridays 6am to 1pm

Department: Tables

Interview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30 minute Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 1 hour interview

Who we are?

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.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval 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.

Requirements

What is essential to us…

• High level of mechanical aptitude and practical skill is desired
• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary project team to drive projects through to completion
• Ability to multitask, time manage and work independently
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
• Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude
• Positive contribution to multi-departmental initiatives and process improvements
• Receptive to new challenges and expanding current knowledge.

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• Ensure best health and safety practices are adhered to at all times, contribute to improvements and idea generation
• Work within an allocated team to achieve scheduled manufacturing targets
• You will be trained and developed to set and operate a wide range of precision industrial machinery
• Maintain high levels of attention to detail at all times, recording and communicating accurate technical measurements and readings
• Communicate product status accurately via the production control system and associated paperwork
• Demonstrate a willingness to support Team Leaders in the development and implementation of workplace programs, including but not limited to cross-training and machine maintenance programmes
• Support and drive problem solving and quality/performance improvement

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse 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.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-2259

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.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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. 

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

Benefits

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

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 [email protected].

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.

Apply

Apply at Thorlabs

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