nLIGHT
Process Engineer
TLDR
Lead end-to-end process architecture for complex R&D systems, drive advanced manufacturing strategies, and build a process engineering department with industry-leading precision.
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: At least 8 years of experience in leading process development in aerospace, defense, or high-power optics.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related 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:
As a Process Engineer, you are a technical leader responsible for the end-to-end process architecture of our complex R&D systems. You will drive the implementation of advanced manufacturing strategies, ensuring that first-of-its-kind hardware is built with world-class precision. We are looking for a Black Belt who can solve chronic yield issues, influence design through DFM, and provide the foundational leadership to build a department from the ground up.
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:
- Lead the DFM/DFA strategy, working directly with design teams to ensure high-performance systems are optimized for repeatable builds.
- Architect the DFSS roadmap for new product introductions, ensuring MRL targets are met through rigorous data validation.
- Set the standard for company-wide SPC and MSA protocols, ensuring all test and assembly equipment are fully qualified and capable.
- Solve the integration challenges by applying advanced problem-solving methodologies to R&D hardware.
- Manage the lifecycle of specialized manufacturing tooling, from initial requirement definition to final qualification.
- Act as a key stakeholder in department growth, defining the organizational structure and technical standards for the process engineering team.
Required Experience / Capability:
- Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
- 8+ years of experience leading process development in aerospace, defense, or high-power optics.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred.
- Proven track record of applying DFM/DFSS to move R&D hardware into stable production.
- Practical expertise in SPC, MSA, and Gage R&R.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate the ambiguity of R&D environments and establish formal production rigor.
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
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
Stock Options
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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.
Process Engineer