Laser Manufacturing Lead: Lean Ops & Shift Leader

nLIGHT, Inc.; Camas (WA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits from day 1

401(k) with company match

Vacation, Sick Leave & Holidays

Disability & Life Insurance

Flexible Spending and Health Savings

Job summary

nLIGHT, Inc. in Camas, WA is seeking a Manufacturing Lead to oversee assembly operations and ensure production schedules are met. The role includes training, direct labor contribution up to 50%, and maintaining safety and quality standards across the cell.

You will mentor staff, drive Lean/5S initiatives, manage cross-shift turnover, and escalate issues impacting throughput. Overtime may be required to meet demand.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience at nLIGHT as a Manufacturing Specialist or equivalent
• Hands-on assembly, precision fabrication, and product quality performance testing
• Ability to work overtime to meet production output schedules
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules and procedure manuals
• Basic understanding of computers and LAN navigation
• Basic math skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to analyze and solve problems independently
• Ability to work with others collaboratively
• Strong organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Ensure WIP movement across shift aligns with projections.
• Lead shift production objectives by monitoring machine and personnel performance.
• Collaborate with supervisor and team leads to manage and prioritize work to meet schedules.
• Participate in staffing projections and shift turnover meetings.
• Initiate and sustain Lean manufacturing and 5S activities.
• Support safety initiatives and report incidents.
• Identify cost-saving ideas and assist in continuous improvement.
• Maintain a positive work environment and promote nLIGHT culture.

Skills

Hands-on assembly

Reading safety rules

Microsoft Office

Verbal & written communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Lean manufacturing

5S

Tools

Dynamics AX

Test equipment usage

Job description

nLIGHT, Inc. in Camas, WA is seeking a Manufacturing Lead to oversee assembly operations and ensure production schedules are met. The role includes training, direct labor contribution up to 50%, and maintaining safety and quality standards across the cell.

You will mentor staff, drive Lean/5S initiatives, manage cross-shift turnover, and escalate issues impacting throughput. Overtime may be required to meet demand.