JobsMechanical EngineerUnited StatesSenior Mechanical Engineer - Defense

nLIGHT

Posted on 29 Sep

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Defense

nLIGHT · Camas, Washington, United States

Full-timeOn site5-10 yrs$103k–$130kListed as no visa sponsorshipDefense and Space Manufacturing
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In short

The engineer will contribute to cross-functional teams to develop novel fiber laser designs and systems for industrial and defense applications. Responsibilities include defining system layouts, executing design verification tests, and overseeing the procurement and assembly of prototypes.

What they're looking for

MUST-HAVE SKILLS

Mechanical designFiber laser designSolidWorksGD&TTolerance analysisHeat transferThermal modelingStress/strain analysis

ALSO MENTIONED

Mechanical EngineeringFiber LasersSemiconductorsAerospaceDefenseSolidWorksGD&TASME Y14.5Finite Element MethodsThermal Modeling

Candidates must hold at least a BS in mechanical engineering with 6 years of experience, or an MS/PhD with relevant experience. Proficiency in SolidWorks, engineering analysis, and manufacturing techniques is required, along with US Person status for export control compliance.

About the employer

nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc.

hiring as nLIGHT

nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. (nLIGHT-DS) is a leading developer of coherently combined lasers and beam control systems for high-energy laser (HEL) systems serving the defense market. nLIGHT-DS builds upon nLIGHT’s current directed energy offerings, which encompass industry leading semiconductor laser and fiber laser technologies. Adding nLIGHT-DS's capabilities in developing and demonstrating key solutions essential to high-power applications opens significant new addressable market for nLIGHT. Our expertise in beam combination and beam control are foundational to the continued development of HEL systems and the evolution of the directed energy market from the lab to the field.

INDUSTRY
Defense and Space Manufacturing
COMPANY
Public Company
HEADQUARTERS
Longmont, CO
SIZE
51-200on LinkedIn
OFFICES
1 on LinkedIn

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Questions about this role

Is this nLIGHT role remote?
Tagged on site.
What does it pay?
The posting lists $103,000–$130,000 a year.
Does it sponsor visas?
Listed as no visa sponsorship.
What experience does it ask for?
Listed as 5-10 years.

The posting, in full

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.

▶ READ THE FULL POSTING

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).

Job Summary

  • Contribute to cross-functional teams pursuing the development of novel fiber laser designs for industrial and directed energy applications
  • Mechanical design engineer developing new laser systems and products
  • Work within a team to help define user interfaces, overall system layouts, product requirements, and cost objectives
  • Plan and execute design verification test protocols including environmental and accelerated life testing
  • Oversee and participate in the procurement and assembly of engineering and prototype builds
  • Devise, design and build robust tooling and process equipment suitable for reliable high-volume manufacturing

Qualifications

  • Commitment to excellence. Attention to detail. Pride in workmanship.
  • Self-directed, with excellent oral and written communication skills
  • BS degree in mechanical engineering or a comparable discipline and at least 6 years of experience in a mechanical engineering role; or an MS with at least 4 years, or a PhD with at least 1 year of relevant experience
  • Experience with various manufacturing techniques including machining, sheet metal, injection molding, and welding
  • Strong ability to conduct engineering analyses including heat transfer, thermal modeling, stress/strain behavior, and materials selection, using both hand calculations and finite element methods
  • Detailed understanding of machining tools, methods and capabilities
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks and engineering drawing practices including tolerance analysis and a working understanding of and ability to apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented with clear and professional written and oral communication skills

Exceptional candidates will have experience in one or more of the following:

  • Development of hardware for defense or aerospace programs, including design and test to military standards such as MIL-STD-810
  • Environmental and mechanical qualification testing for military or aerospace applications
  • Development of high-power laser or electro-optical systems and assemblies
  • Detailed understanding of precision opto-mechanical design and fine mechanisms
  • Experience with fiber optics and optical assemblies
  • Proficiency with COMSOL Multiphysics and/or Ansys analysis tools for thermal, structural, and fluid modeling

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Starting pay depends on qualifications:

  • Senior Mechanical Engineer: $103,000 - $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.

For more information, please review the following notices

  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster
APPLY ON NLIGHT'S CAREERS SITE ↗
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We'll keep this job - the posting's full text, even after it closes. Free.

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This listing comes from nLIGHT's own careers site. Apply links go to the employer. Company facts are from nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc.'s public profile. Last checked 5 Nov 2026.