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Photonic Instrumentation Product Line Manager

Thorlabs
CompanyThorlabs
CategoryProduct
LocationAnn Arbor
RemoteOn-site (inferred)
EmploymentFull-time
LevelManager
SalaryNot stated by the employer
Posted25 Mar 2026
Last verified9 Aug 2026
SourceEmployer ATS (workable)
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Description
At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation. Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture. The Photonic Instrumentation Product Line Manager (PLM) is a member of the Office of the CTO (OCTO) and is accountable for driving the commercial success and the strategic direction and alignment of Thorlabs' Photonic Instrumentation portfolio. The portfolio encompasses benchtop photonic, electronic, and opto-electronic instruments.  These instruments are used as test and measurement equipment, instrumentation, and control electronics supporting multiple markets including, but not limited to, commercial and university basic research, quantum optics, spectroscopy, and datacom-telecom. The product line will be developed and produced across multiple Business Units (BUs) and legal entities globally. The PLM owns the definition and execution of product roadmaps, go-to-market strategies, and portfolio optimization initiatives. The PLM works closely with engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and executive leadership to identify growth opportunities, strengthen product positioning, and expand both catalog and OEM/custom business. Success in this role depends on the ability to combine technical credibility, commercial insight, and cross-functional leadership to align multiple organizations behind a common product strategy and successfully execute it. Essential Job Functions: Portfolio Ownership & Strategic Steering Own and actively steer the Benchtop Instrumentation portfolio across participating BUs, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and market requirements. Define, prioritize, and drive and govern roadmap execution, including new product development, product lifecycle management, and rationalization of underperforming offerings. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of market segmentation, competitive positioning, and Thorlabs’ relative strengths. Market Intelligence & Growth Leadership Lead market analysis efforts to identify trends, adjacencies, and whitespace opportunities, translating insights into actionable portfolio decisions. Drive initiatives to increase market share and wallet share within key accounts in close collaboration with Sales and Applications teams. Originate and lead strategic OEM and custom solution opportunities, coordinating efforts between customers and internal engineering/manufacturing teams. Cross-Functional Alignment & Execution Act as the central decision-making and coordination point across BUs for the assigned portfolio, ensuring alignment on priorities, timelines, and resource allocation. Partner with Marketing and Tech Marketing to define and enforce high-quality, consistent digital content, specifications, and application positioning. Shape and guide a coherent tradeshow and business development strategy for the portfolio. NPI Governance & Delivery Play a leading role in the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, including concept approval, prioritization, and design validation. Hold teams accountable to agreed development timelines, milestones, and deliverables. Ensure that new product introductions are aligned with portfolio strategy and commercial objectives. Performance Management & Accountability Define, monitor, and report on key portfolio KPIs, including: New product introduction timelines R&D investment allocation a