Talent Acquisition Specialist

Join Thorlabs in Newton, NJ (onsite) as a Talent Acquisition Specialist and help build hiring pipelines across all US locations. This role offers a salary range of $63,000 - $78,000 per year and works directly with business leaders to ensure candidates receive a consistent, high-touch experience throughout the recruitment journey.

What you will do

You will oversee the full recruitment and candidate care process, from drafting and refining job descriptions through offer extension and background check clearance. You will own recruiting strategy to meet staffing requirements, partnering closely with Business Unit Leaders and Managers to understand current needs and develop targeted recruiting plans.

• Manage end-to-end recruitment for US locations, including offer formulation and negotiation, and coordinating reference and background checks
• Develop standardized job descriptions for general positions, and create specialized versions when specific responsibilities or knowledge are required
• Support candidate sourcing through both active and passive outreach, including phone screens and initial interviews
• Provide initial screening for managers by gathering work history, education, training, job skills, and salary requirements
• Explain benefits packages to potential applicants
• Coordinate phone and on-site interviews with management and team members, including travel and lodging arrangements through a corporate travel agent when needed
• Manage candidate expense reimbursement processes
• Coordinate with the HR team to establish start dates and initiate HR/IT new hire setup requests

You will also use data to improve hiring execution and maintain visibility into recruitment outcomes.

• Develop, analyze, and present hiring statistics, including headcount-to-budget comparison metrics
• Maintain applicant flow logs and EEO tracking metrics, and assist with preparation of the annual EEO report

In addition, you will build relationships and extend sourcing reach through agencies, schools, and community partners.

• Direct employment agencies and search firms, including negotiating and controlling employment-related fees
• Schedule and attend job/career fairs and tradeshows with appropriate staff to generate qualified applicants
• Develop and maintain relationships with college, university, and community college placement offices
• Build partnerships with community organizations
• Develop and maintain an expansive Cooperative Education Program (Co-Op/Intern Program) for high school and college students

What you bring

• 2-3 years of experience in recruitment
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of employment law required
• College recruiting experience is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; My Staff Pro applicant tracking tool is a plus

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Generous PTO package
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement