What is it like to work at Thorlabs?
Thorlabs is a company that values innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment. The company has a flat organizational structure, allowing employees to take on diverse roles and responsibilities, and its headquarters features an open-concept office space with modern amenities. Working at Thorlabs may appeal to individuals who are passionate about optics and photonics, as the company offers opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research and development in these fields.
What makes Thorlabs an attractive place to work?
Thorlabs is a leading global manufacturer of photonics equipment and optical components, known for its innovative products and solutions in the scientific and industrial communities. The company fosters a dynamic work environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning, with opportunities for employees to contribute to cutting-edge projects and develop their skills in a rapidly evolving field. By joining Thorlabs, individuals can be part of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation, teamwork, and employee growth, offering a platform for making meaningful contributions and advancing their careers.
Do workers at Thorlabs get paid breaks?
Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
76% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Does Thorlabs pay people when they’re sick?
Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
100% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
At Thorlabs, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?
Sick days and vacation days are used from the same paid time off.
100% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Is the health insurance from Thorlabs affordable enough for their workers?
Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
94% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and April 2026.
Do people get paid time off at Thorlabs?
Most people get paid time off work.
100% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Do workers at Thorlabs worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
87% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and September 2025.
Do Thorlabs workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
38% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and September 2025.
How easy is it for Thorlabs workers to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
40% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and September 2025.
How easy is it to get time off at Thorlabs?
Most people find it easy to get time off.
80% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
Do Thorlabs managers change schedules at the last minute?
Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
93% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and September 2025.
Do jobs at Thorlabs spill into time workers aren’t paid for?
Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.
0% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and September 2025.
How easy is it to take sick days at Thorlabs?
Most people find it easy to take sick days.
95% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
Is working at Thorlabs good if you’re a parent or caregiver?
Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
83% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
Do people at Thorlabs feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
79% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people at Thorlabs get to take their breaks without interruption?
Most people get breaks without interruption.
90% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
Is it stressful to work at Thorlabs?
Most people feel stressed here.
85% of people say they often feel stressed at work.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
Do people at Thorlabs enjoy their jobs?
Only some people enjoy their job.
56% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Do people at Thorlabs recommend working with their team?
Not many people recommend working with their team.
73% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 22 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.
Do people get enough training when they start at Thorlabs?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
58% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
Do people get support to advance at Thorlabs?
Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 35% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
Do people think Thorlabs’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?
Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
94% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
Do workers feel well informed about how Thorlabs is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
42% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.
What other companies are hiring for Application Engineer jobs?
What are the most popular jobs at Thorlabs?
What are the most popular categories at Thorlabs?
