Mechanical Engineer

nLIGHT, Inc.
paid time off, paid holidays, long term disability, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Colorado, Longmont
Nov 30, 2025
Description Location:Longmont, CO (onsite) Experience:A minimum of 3+ years of experience working in opto-mechanical system design and integration. Minimum Education:Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field. Compensation:$100,000-$160,000 depending on experience. Who We Are 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. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR). Summary: Mechanical Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. synchronize all mechanical, thermal, and packaging aspects of design and integration for complex High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in challenging environments. We utilize analysis driven design and implement elegant athermalized and vibration-rugged solutions. We need motivated Mechanical Engineers that are excited about integrating HEL weapon systems and being part of that solution. 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 U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/.Please review this information before applying. Responsibilities: Development of cutting-edge laser and electro-optical systems through rapid development of effective and robust mechanical system designs. Apply DFX and other design principals to create manufacturing-friendly, cost-optimized solutions that meet or exceed the functional design goals. Devise, design and build robust tooling and process equipment suitable for reliable high-volume manufacturing. Design, analysis, and assembly of mechanical systems from concept through design finalization and integration. Required Experience / Capability: Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship. The ideal candidate has at least 3+ years of experience working in mechanical system design and integration. Ability to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Requirements change frequently and rapid-turn solutions must be developed frequently. Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives. Experience using GitLab, Jira, or similar project management software. Experience with system level trade studies and documenting engineering decision making. Ability to architect design solutions from design requirements and stakeholder input. Experience breaking down larger scale system design and delegating engineering tasking to a diverse team of contributing engineers. Experience in SolidWorks. Ability to use hand calculations to verify design requirements. Exhibit strong troubleshooting skills. Expertise in fabrication and assembly drawing preparation for manufacturing (ISO and ANSI standards) including experience with version control and change record documentation. Experience in design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA) Experience with various manufacturing techniques - machining, sheet metal, injection molding, etc. Additional Desired Experience / Capability: Experience in rugged design for optical systems including kinematic, flexure mounting and optical and structural adhesive mounting. Familiarity with implementation of electro-optical systems. Experience in optical system alignment and test methods. Experience in Opto-Mechanical Assembly, including receiving and inspecting components, dry-assembly, bonding. Experience in thermal management systems. STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance). Experience in vibration test and analysis and isolation methods, in particular jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems. Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and modeling of vibration and thermal effects. Static structure, fatigue, random vibration, and modal analysis. Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Experience with MATLAB & LabVIEW. Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems. Exposure to MIL-STD-810 design and/or testing. Experience with operation of machining, welding, or fabrication equipment. Benefits Summary: 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 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 [emailprotected] .