CNC Operator; MBs, First Shift

What is the job?

As a CNC Machine 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 our Milltronics XYZ, Haas VF6SS, Hartford Blockbuster PRO
3150 and (incoming) Hartford Sword SW523 drilling machines (full training will be provided), processing sheet materials, as part of the Optical Tables Business Unit.

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

MB’s Tables

2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30 minute Teams interview

Second stage:
OnSite 1 hour interview

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.

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.

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating Fanuc CNC machinery would be desirable, however any CNC experience would be useful but not essential
• Ability to interpret and follow Standard Operating Procedures
• High level of mechanical aptitude and practical skill is desired
• A practical ‘hands on’ approach
• High level of attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
• Proven ability to work in a team environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Adhering to core values
• Positive contribution to multi‑departmental initiatives

• Work within an allocated team to achieve scheduled manufacturing targets
• You will be trained and developed to operate our drilling/tapping machines
• 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
• Support Team Leaders in the development and implementation of workplace programs
• Participate in cross‑training to increase knowledge and experience of the Tables Business Unit
• Support and drive problem solving and quality/performance improvement

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for in‑house 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.

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

THOR-VC-1658

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 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 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

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.

This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age -  ().