Optical Engineer

About the role

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).

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to a cross-functional team pursuing the development of novel fiber laser and component designs
• Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, fiber optics, and opto-mechanical design to the development of high-power fiber lasers and components
• Design, develop, and test fiber laser systems and critical components, including fiber amplifiers
• Consistently and effectively report out on design and testing to core and cross-functional teams

Skills & Qualifications

• BS required in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. MS is preferred.
• Hands on experience with development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers and amplifiers, optics, and/or opto-mechanical systems
• Strong laboratory skills including optical testing and characterization of high-power lasers or complex optical sub-assemblies
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, including problem identification, data analysis, action planning, and execution
• Theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers and their associated optics
• Fiber laser system design and modeling, including practical considerations (manufacturability, serviceability, and reliability) is desired
• Good communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Skills

• Hands on experience with high-power lasers for defense or aerospace applications
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, ERP systems, and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL)
• Working knowledge of reliability engineering, laser safety standards, and test automation
• Able to travel up to 10% for collaboration, customer engagement, conferences and training
• Experience working on defense programs or with defense related companies

Compensation & Benefits

Salary level based on qualifications
Other Compensation and Benefits
- Target Cash Bonus of 5% 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