# R&D Purchasing & Data Assistant - 1925 > Thorlabs · Ely, United Kingdom (Hybrid) · Full-time · Posted 2026-05-11 **Workplace:** hybrid **Department:** Engineering-Budget (FTC/TEMP/Budgeted Head/Replacement) ## Description **What is the job?** Supporting the R&D Purchasing and Data team to allow the successful transition of prototype designs through to production release. **Working Hours:** Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available) **Department:** Engineering **Interview process:** 2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30-minute 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?** It’s a hybrid role, working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely as well as your home. Our purpose-built facility is just 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…** - GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A\* to C) or equivalent, including maths and English - Experience in purchasing, logistics, or engineering is desirable, but not essential - Awareness of general engineering disciplines is advantageous - Computer literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages - Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal - Organised, efficient, and takes initiative - Experience using ERP/Supply chain software (Microsoft D365 and/or Bluestar would be a big advantage) **What we would like you to do/ to see…** - Assist Engineering purchasing with management of confirmed Purchase orders to minimise any delays; liaising with suppliers to confirm delivery timelines, expedite urgent parts. - Generate daily PO lines report for the Engineering team - Create and send approved purchase orders from purchase requisition system - Create new part numbers for production goods and/or services - Assist with any non-conformance activities i.e. liaising with vendors and raising return orders - Data and documentation maintenance - Assist with any obsolescence activities - Raise Engineering Change Orders to communicate changes whenever necessary - Generate shipping paperwork to send sample and prototype parts globally - Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities - Manage the release notifications for software and firmware updates - Help create and maintain departmental SOPs **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?** Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays. **Job Reference:** THOR-VC-1925 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 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)_](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fknow-when-you-can-leave-school&data=05%7C02%7CSFuller%40thorlabs.com%7Cc4ba59233f5248ddc83308dcc801c66e%7C411510044224448aa787d4279c1f087d%7C0%7C0%7C638605157155394887%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HtICNYMJkx9yOZDbdWEKDxBJjxTB0l4YorqReApKZDk%3D&reserved=0) _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 ![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/1d9df0756b97de3ca3cff2432a066cfb.png) -Contributed Pension Scheme ![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/5161fae0b975b7364228077b183258ac.png) -Group Life Cover ![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/b6a6454e1f80e14fb65c722973e86d9f.png) -Private Health Care ![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/e850ec11c8473c8e62469f16a60f3ef3.png) -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 recruitment@thorlabs.com. We are Disability Confident Committed![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/018230f8a07f4ced54205c316cd1e679.jpg) _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._![](https://workablehr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/photos/327786/240aefd1da5a91c47c09d21854537d8a.png) ## Apply [Apply at Thorlabs](https://apply.workable.com/thorlabs/j/CDA3D01CAB/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)