Talent Acquisition Specialist

Role summary

Talent Acquisition Specialist is a full-time role at Thorlabs in Newton, New Jersey, United States (hybrid). Posted 2026-10-18. Salary: USD 63,000–78,000 per year. Experience level: 2-5.

Job title

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Company

Thorlabs

Location

Newton, New Jersey, United States

Work arrangement

hybrid

Employment type

full-time

Category

Software Engineering

Salary

USD 63,000–78,000 per year

Experience level

2-5

Date posted

2026-10-18

Job description

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

Purpose of the Position

The Recruiter is responsible for overseeing the recruitment process for all US locations. Primary responsibilities will include managing the candidate care process, developing local and national recruiting plans, utilizing traditional and strategic recruitment methods to fill positions, identify future talent and minimize turnover, and developing key strategic relationships and programs with universities, colleges and community organizations. The position reports to the Talent Acquisition Manager.

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

Responsible for entire recruitment and candidate care process from job description development to offer extension and background check clearance

Develop recruitment strategies to achieve required staffing levels; Work closely with Business Unit Leaders and Managers to understand current recruitment needs and develop specific recruiting plans

Responsible for the development of standardized job descriptions for each general position; creating specialized job descriptions for general positions requiring specific responsibilities or knowledge

Actively and passively seek potential applicants; Conduct phone screens/initial interviews; May provide initial screening for manager to obtain work history, education, training, job skills, salary requirements; Explain benefits packages to potential applicants

Arranges phone/on-site interviews with management and team members; Arrange travel and lodging for applicant's thorough corporate travel agent, if necessary and manage candidate expense reimbursement process.

Responsible for managing candidate offer process including, offer formulation, terms & conditions of benefits & relocation, offer negotiation, conduct reference and background checks; Work closely with HR team to establish appropriate start date and request initiation of HR/IT new hire setup.

Develop, analyze and present hiring statistics. Maintains headcount to budget comparison metrics

Maintaining applicant flow logs and EEO tracking metrics; assist with preparation of annual EEO report

Direct the efforts of employment agencies and search firms including negotiating and controlling employment related fees

Schedule and attend job/career fairs and tradeshows with appropriate staff as a source to generate qualified applicants.

Develop and maintain professional relationships with college, university and community college placement offices as a source to generate qualified applicants

Develop and maintain professional relationships with community organizations as a source to generate qualified applicants

Develop and maintain an expansive Cooperative Education Program (Co-Op/Intern Program) for high school and college students

Qualifications

Experience:

Minimum 2-3 year of experience in recruitment.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations; Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

College recruiting experience a plus

Strong knowledge of employment law required

Excellent interpersonal and written skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; My Staff Pro applicant tracking tool a plus

Travel required (20%)

Annual Pay range for this position is $ 63,000 -$78,000 depending on experience

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, 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.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.