nLIGHT
Mechanical Quality Engineer
TLDR
Quality Engineers ensure all mechanical components for High Energy Laser systems meet rigorous defense standards, driving root cause investigations and elevating manufacturing processes.
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience working in quality engineering with opto-mechanical systems
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field.
Compensation: $140,000-$180,000 depending on experience.
Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities – from semiconductor device through target identification – to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective. We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary:
Quality Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. play a critical role in ensuring that every mechanical component and assembly supporting our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems meets the rigorous standards required for defense applications. You will establish and lead quality engineering practices across incoming inspection, supplier quality, and production support.. We rely on analytical, highly motivated Quality Engineers who can drive rootcause investigations, lead supplier engagement, and elevate our manufacturing processes.
All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/. Please review this information before applying.
Responsibilities:
- Own and manage NCMRs, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, and tracking to closure.
- Review engineering drawings for manufacturability, clarity, and completeness.
- Conduct supplier audits and work directly with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve incoming part consistency.
- Use CMM output and dimensional data to validate part conformance and support statistically driven decisions.
- Develop and implement statistical models, SPC charts, capability analyses, and process controls.
- Ensure compliance to AS9100, DFMEA practices, Six Sigma methodologies, and ASTM E595 guidelines.
- Work cross functionally with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain to improve yields, reduce escapes, and elevate process robustness.
- Support first article inspections, serialization, traceability, and documentation efforts as systems and processes mature.
- Provide technical guidance and schedules to inspectors, technicians, and operators on best practices and interpretation of requirements.
Required Experience / Capability:
- Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
- 10+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical roles.
- BS degree in an Engineering discipline (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related).
- Strong expertise in GD&T, drawing interpretation, and precision dimensional validation.
- Proven experience with NCMR, MRB, and leading structured rootcause investigations.
- Familiarity with statistical process control, capability studies, and datadriven decision making.
- Knowledge of AS9100, FMEA, Six Sigma methodologies, and relevant industry standards.
Additional Desired Experience / Capability:
- Background working with machined parts, carbon fiber components, and/or precision mechanical assemblies.
- Certification(s) such as Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, ASQ CQE, or similar.
- Experience creating process control plans and quality documentation in a startup or new‑facility environment.
Benefits Summary:
- 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
- 11 paid Holidays
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
- Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
- Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
Benefits
Equity Compensation
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Health Insurance
Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
Learning Budget
Tuition Assistance Program
401k with match
Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
Paid Time Off
4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
nLIGHT is a premier provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers, catering to industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications. We specialize in cutting-edge laser technology and are also a leader in developing Directed Energy systems for the Department of Defense, delivering high-performance solutions in a rapidly growing market.
Quality Engineer