Process Engineer

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable manufacturing processes and documentation, working directly with design teams to ensure high-performance systems are optimized for repeatable builds.
• Lead DFM/DFA and DFSS initiatives to optimize manufacturability, yield, and production readiness.
• Set the standard for company-wide process control (SPC or other) and MSA/GR&R protocols, ensuring all test and assembly equipment are fully qualified and capable.
• Solve the integration challenges by applying structured problem-solving methodologies to R&D hardware.
• Manage the lifecycle of specialized manufacturing tooling, including initial requirement definition to final qualification and ongoing calibration & maintenance.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in process development in aerospace, defense, or high-power optics.
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, with a preference for Black Belt certification.
• Proven track record of applying DFM/DFSS to move R&D hardware into stable production.
• Practical expertise in process control (SPC or other), MSA, and Gage R&R.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and establish formal production rigor.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance required, with preference for existing clearance.

Skills

• Technical leadership in process development.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-power optics industries.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, with Black Belt certification preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and structured methodology skills.
• Expertise in process control, MSA, and Gage R&R.

Pay

$120,000 - $170,000 depending on experience.

Schedule

Onsite position in Longmont, CO.

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 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

Company Information

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.

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.