Electro-Optical Engineer

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading developers of Directed Energy systems, 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, we are a vertically integrated business leveraging internal capabilities—from semiconductor device through target identification—to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective.

About the role

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. drive execution by problem-solving and aligning systems during integration while growing to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams using GitLab-based planning tools. EO Engineers learn a range of tools and techniques, from opto-mechanical design and integration to software integration and data analysis. This role offers a career progression from disciplined bench procedures to integrated product team leadership and technical program management, delivering complete EO systems to customers.

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 clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, development, integration, and test for High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon System and/or HEL Beam Control System (BCS).
• Hardware integration and test, data processing, and preparation of performance and test documentation.
• Development of test setups to evaluate performance parameters.
• Execution of complex integration activities with the team.
• Support field tests.
• Installation, alignment, and integration of optics, electro-optics, and mechanics (COTS and custom).
• Maintain cleanliness standards and operate in a clean room environment.
• Troubleshoot complex opto-mechanical alignment problems, particularly for ruggedized systems.
• Technical report writing and documentation.
• Integration of auto-alignment algorithms and real-time control of electro-optical/mechanical components using LabVIEW, MATLAB, Firmware, and/or C/C++/C#.

Requirements

• 3+ years of electro-optical experience.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science, or related field.
• Commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and pride in workmanship.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment under pressure while maintaining good working relationships.
• Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal daily direction.
• Superior problem-solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources.
• Expertise in working with laser and electro-optical systems, including high power laser systems.
• Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking.
• Experience with MATLAB and/or C/C++/C# is beneficial.
• Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems.
• Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, particularly for high power applications.
• Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management.

Additional Desired Experience

• Rugged design for optical systems, including kinematic, flexure mounting, and optical/structural adhesive mounting.
• Optical system alignment and test methods.
• Opto-mechanical assembly, including receiving/inspecting components, dry-assembly, and bonding.
• Thermal management systems.
• STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
• Vibration test and analysis, including jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems.
• Finite element analysis (FEA) and modeling of vibration and thermal effects (static structure, fatigue, random vibration, modal analysis).
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
• Experience with LabVIEW.
• Exposure to MIL-STD-810 design and/or testing.
• Experience with operation of machining, welding, or fabrication equipment.

Pay

$90,000–$129,000 depending on experience.

Benefits

• 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 100% for employee and 75% for dependents.
• Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid 100% by employer.
• Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting.