Electro-Optical Technician

nLIGHT; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 41,328 - 61,992; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks of Paid Time Off

11 paid Holidays

Tuition Assistance Program

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

A leading developer of Directed Energy systems seeks an Electro-Optical Technician in Longmont, CO. The role involves supporting advanced laser beam control systems, with a focus on assembly, integration, and testing. Ideal candidates will have an associates degree related to optics and 1-3 years of relevant experience. Benefits include 4 weeks of paid time off, comprehensive health coverage, and a competitive 401k plan.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of hands-on experience with optical/laser systems.
• Basic experience or coursework in optics or lasers is required.
• Capable of working in a clean-room environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the construction and alignment of optical components.
• Operate standard alignment and test equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness standards in the cleanroom.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Commitment to Excellence

Team Collaboration

Education

Associates degree in Optics & Laser Technology

Tools

Interferometers

Spectrophotometers

MATLAB

Job description

Location

Longmont, CO (onsite)

Experience

1-3 years of professional and/or academic optical/laser experience.

Minimum Education

H.S. Diploma or GED required; Associate Degree or Technical Certification is a plus.

Compensation

$30-$45/hour 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

We are seeking an organized, motivated individual to serve as an Electro-Optical (EO) Technician supporting our advanced high-energy laser beam control systems. This role will predominantly support electro-optical engineers in system assembly, integration, alignment, test apparatus setup and documentation across multiple subsystems. The successful candidate will perform hands‑on assembly of opto‑mechanical packages; inspect, mount and bond optics; assist with alignment of multi‑element optical trains, construct test fixtures; and generate process documentation while gaining exposure to the full system lifecycle in a leading edge laser systems environment. Under close supervision, you will help ensure that components and subsystems meet schedule, quality and performance goals. Ideal candidates are capable of independently accomplishing assigned tasks, will identify process improvement opportunities, and are eager to participate in highly cross‑functional assembly and test activities.

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

• Assist in the construction, alignment, and testing of optical and electro‑optical components and assemblies (mirrors, lenses, waveplates, dichroics, etc.) in a clean‑room environment.
• Operate standard alignment and test equipment (autocollimators, interferometers, beam profilers, spectrophotometers, optical spectrum analyzers).
• Perform mechanical and optical assembly tasks including mounting optical elements, mount assembly, and installation of opto‑mechanical sub‑assemblies into larger assemblies.
• Assist in performing visual inspections, verifying component cleanliness standards, parts traceability, and basic troubleshooting of mechanical or optical anomalies.
• Maintain cleanroom cleanliness standards and ensure optics and mechanics are handled per contamination control.
• Support maintenance and calibration of production tooling and equipment.
• Work collaboratively with optical, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering teams to support schedule milestones and system level integration.
• Generate documentation including integration photos, alignment logs, work instruction updates, assembly travelers, and data backups.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities spanning process refinements, clean‑room ergonomics, production documentation improvements, and assist in implementing corrective actions when directed.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills.

Required Experience / Capability

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• Associates degree in Optics & Laser Technology, Physics Technician, Electro‑Optics Technology, Engineering Technology or equivalent combination of education/training and hands‑on experience (1–3 years).
• Basic experience or coursework demonstrating hands‑on work with optics, lasers, lenses/waveplates, fiber optics, optical mounts, or electro‑optical systems.
• Capable of working in a clean‑room environment (ISO‑7 or better) and adherence to contamination control (garments, gloves, eyewear, cleanliness).
• Strong attention to detail, ability to follow structured work instructions and maintain high standards of workmanship.
• Develop, refine, and document assembly processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Willingness to learn, grow technical skills, and take direction from senior staff.

Additional Desired Experience / Capability

• Basic familiarity with optical alignment or metrology equipment (interferometers, spectrophotometers, autocollimators, etc.).
• Previous employment, internship, or academic experience in laser/optics and instrumentation.
• Experience bonding optical elements into larger assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or under minimal guidance provided an outlined work instruction and training.
• Experience with optic handling, optical alignment, interferometry and metrology tools.
• MATLAB, ZEMAX, and/or SolidWorks experience a plus.
• Understanding of optical fundamentals (beam propagation, alignment, wavefront concepts) and experience in basic troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with documentation practices (travelers, test logs), and quality culture.

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 [e-mail].