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- Tasks: Join our team to produce high-quality components and operate precision machinery.
- Company: Thorlabs Ltd, a global leader in optical technologies.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour plus 15% uplift, with great perks like healthcare and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant workplace with free refreshments and an entertainment area.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in manufacturing while contributing to innovative photonics products.
- Qualifications: Practical skills and attention to detail are essential; teamwork is key!
The predicted salary is between 27800 - 36400 £ per year.
Posting date: 30 March 2026
Salary: £13.45 per hour + 15% uplift
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 29 April 2026
Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire
Remote working: On-site only
Company: Thorlabs Ltd
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: THOR-VC-1829
Summary
As a 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. In addition to producing high tolerance components, critical to the quality of a finished product, you will be trained to operate a wide range of processes and equipment and identify opportunities to improve product quality and production output.
Working Hours
Monday to Thursday 2:35 pm to 11:05 pm and Fridays 1:05 pm to 8:05 pm
Interview Process
2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30 minute Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 1 hour interview
Essential Requirements
- 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
Responsibilities
- Working 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
- Maintaining 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
- Participate in cross-training to increase knowledge and experience of the Tables Business Unit
- Support and drive problem solving and quality/performance improvement
About the Company
Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture of 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.
Location
Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful medieval 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.
Benefits
£13.45 per hour + 15% uplift, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.
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.
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.
Manufacturing Operator (Cell 2, Second Shift) - 1829 in Ely employer: Thorlabs Ltd
Contact Detail:
Thorlabs Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Operator (Cell 2, Second Shift) - 1829 in Ely
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Thorlabs. Understand their products and values. This will help you show that you're genuinely interested and can fit into their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the two-stage interview process by doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your hands-on experience and how you can contribute to the production team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past work where you identified issues and improved processes. This is key for a role like Manufacturing Operator, so have those stories ready!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the Thorlabs team. Don’t wait too long, though – this is a rolling campaign!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Operator (Cell 2, Second Shift) - 1829 in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any practical experience you have in a manufacturing environment. We want to see that you've got that can-do attitude and the skills to back it up!
Attention to Detail is Key: Since this role requires a high level of attention to detail, be sure to mention specific examples where you've maintained focus and accuracy in your previous jobs. It’ll show us you’re the right fit for the team!
Communicate Clearly: Good verbal and written communication skills are essential for this position. In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively communicated in past roles, whether through reports or team updates.
Apply Early!: This is a rolling campaign, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. The sooner you apply through our website, the better your chances of getting noticed. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thorlabs Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Manufacturing Operator. Familiarise yourself with the equipment and processes mentioned in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in manufacturing. Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated attention to detail or problem-solving skills. This is your chance to highlight how your practical skills align with what Thorlabs is looking for.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since teamwork is crucial for this role, prepare to talk about your experiences working in a team environment. Share stories that showcase your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the company culture or the specific team you'll be working with. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.