Science Writer Ii, New Products

The Science Writer II, New Products role is responsible for strengthening Thorlabs’ position as a leading manufacturer of Photonics products through the creation of effective presentations and application images that inform and educate the photonics community about Thorlabs’ products and their applications. This role will demonstrate a firm understanding of Thorlabs’ extensive product portfolio via the creation of exemplary web presentations for New Products. The Science Writer II will be able to draw on their existing technical experience and photonics knowledge to engage in meaningful conversations with engineering teams to gain an understanding of new product additions and how they fit into our existing portfolio; propose and plan changes to Thorlabs’ website to support the new additions; and successfully execute their plans to produce high-quality web presentations requiring minimal feedback. This role works closely with graphic artists to create presentations. Original content is based on basic information provided by Thorlabs’ engineers, as well as prior knowledge gained from using similar products in the field.

Although the position is based out of Newton, NJ; Lafayette, Colorado; or Rochester, New York, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

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

Draw on existing technical experience to engage effectively with engineering teams to gain an understanding of new product additions to plan and execute updates to the website that support customer efficiency when making buying decisions.

• Utilize gained knowledge of the organizational ERP platform (D365), content editing tools, and Thorlabs’ processes and standards to ensure comprehensive updates requiring minimal feedback when it comes to technical accuracy, completeness, and adherence to Thorlabs standards for layout.

Plan, complete, and/or oversee complex updates affecting large families of products.

• Develop high quality, technically informative web presentations, including application images and cross linkage, for New Products being released by any of the Thorlabs business units/entities, all while meeting company standards and tight timeline constraints.
• Update the Visual Navigation structure as necessary to support new families/product extensions and improve website usability.

Peer reviews, critiques, and comments on content for publication to the website.

• Handle supersessions associated with new product introduction (NPI).

Build application images that help customers understand how products are utilized within a lab environment.

Guide graphics staff, clearly and effectively communicating desired outcomes to obtain the necessary images, videos, and animations for a successful new product launch.

As the “gatekeeper” for product releases, ensure all documentation meets organizational standards (i.e., support documents are uploaded to the correct location, drawings adhere to internal guidelines, etc.).

Structure and organize the job in close cooperation with business units in the United States and globally.

• Collaborate with the Web Team as necessary to develop tools (e.g., configurators) that are necessary for new product introduction.
• Learn and implement best practices for building website content, incorporating search engine optimization tactics as appropriate.
• Partner with the Business Intelligence Team to create any necessary Google Ad Campaigns for new product families.
• Assist other marketing teams as required to meet business needs.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.

Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some lifting may be required. This would require the ability to lift, bend or stand as necessary. The employee may occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience:

• 3 years of prior photonics lab experience is desirable.

Education:

• Advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Lasers, Engineering, or a closely related field or bachelor’s degree plus 3-5 years equivalent work experience.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills for working in a team environment.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to multitask, be detail oriented, and solve problems, all while under tight time constraints.
• Willing to constantly learn new technologies/products and their applications.
• Strong bias for action.

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants 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.