What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Defense position at nLIGHT?
Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Position Summary
nLIGHT is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy laser systems. This role requires strong opto-mechanical design skills and hands-on experience developing rugged, production-ready hardware for demanding military environments. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary team spanning optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering, with primary responsibility for mechanical design, analysis, and verification of laser amplifier subsystems.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical and opto-mechanical subsystems for high-power fiber laser amplifiers used in directed-energy applications
- Contribute to mechanical architecture and detailed design to meet performance, SWaP, environmental, reliability, and cost requirements
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system layouts, interfaces, and product requirements
- Apply DFX principles to develop manufacturable, cost-effective designs suitable for prototype and production builds
- Perform engineering analyses including thermal management, heat transfer, structural integrity, vibration, shock, and materials selection
- Support planning and execution of design verification, acceptance testing, and environmental qualification testing
- Participate in procurement, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and production hardware
- Design and support tooling, fixtures, and process equipment for manufacturing
- Support system-level integration and testing activities as required
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience
- Experience in precision mechanical and opto-mechanical design
- Familiarity with manufacturing methods including machining, sheet metal, and injection molding
- Proficiency in SolidWorks and engineering drawing practices, including tolerance analysis and GD&T per ANSI Y14.5
- Experience performing thermal and structural analyses
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance
Preferred Experience
- Development or testing of high-power laser or electro-optical systems
- Experience with fiber optics and optical assemblies
- Environmental and mechanical qualification testing for military or aerospace applications
- Experience with COMSOL or similar analysis tools
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
- Senior Mechanical Engineer: $105,000 - $130,000 annually
Other Compensation and Benefits
- Target Cash Bonus of 6% of earned wages
- Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
- 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
- 10 paid Holidays
- Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
- Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Aflac Supplemental Insurance
- Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Pet Insurance
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
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 (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net.
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
- E-Verify Participation Poster
- Right to Work Poster