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Materials Handler 2122

Thorlabs


Job Location:

Ely - UK

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 26 August 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 23 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

What is the job

To provide efficient and accurate handling transaction and movement of materials. To support the flow of material across the production floor through the use of scheduled milk round routes.

Working Hours: Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 4:30pm and Friday 7:30am to 12:30pm

Department: Motion Control

Interview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting First stage: 1 hour Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 2 hour interview

Who we are

Thorlabs is a global industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or 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.

Where you will be working

Ourpurpose-built facility isjust 12 miles from Cambridge within the beautiful mediaeval 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.



Requirements

What is essential to us

  • Computer literate with ability to learn and use ERP system (eg. AX 2012 or D365) for stock transactions
  • Demonstrated experience within a stores/logistics function is desirable
  • Detail oriented and able to work in a structured way following standard work procedures and workflows
  • Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with team members across the production floor
  • A positive approach to continuous improvement activities
  • A flexible approach to work requests prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done

What we would like you to do/ to see

Receiving

  • Receive and store all incoming items (components sub-assemblies and finished goods) in the designated location
  • Conduct visual inspections for specified items according to the standard work put in place
  • Follow standard work for FIFO (First In First Out) and PFEP (Plan for Every Part) to ensure stock is stored and consumed appropriately

Water Spider

  • Replenish point of use stock locations as required including kanbans and replacement of rejects
  • Following the standard work move goods across production and collect new works orders to be picked

Picking

  • Provide production support activities such as cleaning components using an ultrasonic tank laser etching and generating and printing serial number labels
  • Pick required items for Works orders according to start date
  • Escalate any quality concerns about picked items to line manager or Quality team to ensure faulty parts are not sent to the production floor

Other tasks

  • Packing finished goods
  • Conduct cycle counts as directed
  • Maintain a tidy and clean stores area in line with 5S principles
  • Ensure safe handling of products in line with health and safety best practice

What will you get

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse 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.

And the benefits are

13.45 per hour plus an excellent benefits package including pension health care 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-2122

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 further information is here School leaving age - ()

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.



Benefits

-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.


About Company

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Thorlabs Ltd. manufactures Motion Control and Vibration Isolation products for photonics applications in the industrial and research sectors. 12 miles from Cambridge with train and bus link Double digit annual growth Our vision and values drive our operations, our interactions, and th ... View more

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