Product Assembler - Accessories - 3 Month FTC - 2143
Company: Thorlabs
Role summary
Product Assembler - Accessories - 3 Month FTC - 2143 is a contract role at Thorlabs in Ely, England, United Kingdom (on-site). Posted 2026-10-19. Salary: GBP 13 per hour. Experience level: 0-2. No degree required.
- Job title
- Product Assembler - Accessories - 3 Month FTC - 2143
- Company
- Thorlabs
- Location
- Ely, England, United Kingdom
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Employment type
- contract
- Category
- Software Engineering
- Salary
- GBP 13 per hour
- Experience level
- 0-2
- Degree required
- No
- Date posted
- 2026-10-19
Thorlabs is looking for a detail-oriented Product Assembler to join their team on a 3-month contract. This hands-on role doesn't require a degree and offers great pay. You'll be assembling accessories and lab equipment, with ample training provided to operate various machinery and even contribute to process improvements.
Job description
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 the tables accessory 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 Vibration Isolation Systems and MB Breadboard Inspection and Pack.
Working Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-4:30pm and Friday 7:30am-12:30pm
Department: Tables Accessories
Interview process: 1 stage process following shortlisting – 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.
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
Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude
Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
Proven ability to work in a team environment
What we would like you to do/ to see…
Manufacture of Table accessories, primarily laser safety curtains, 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
Working 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
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?
£13.45 per hour, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
Job Reference: THOR-VC-2143
Commitment bonus to be paid at the end of the contract if the relevant criteria has been met. Further information available from recruitment@thorlabs.com
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.
-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 recruitment@thorlabs.com.
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 for Product Assembler - Accessories - 3 Month FTC - 2143 at Thorlabs