Lead Laser Process Engineer & Operations Manager

nLIGHT; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

nLIGHT is seeking a Process Engineering Manager to lead the Hillsboro site’s engineering team, drive process improvements, and ensure safe, reliable production. This onsite, hands-on leader will bridge design and manufacturing to scale products from prototype to volume production.

You will develop engineers, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, and apply systems-engineering methods to integrate optical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal elements into high-yield processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related field with 6+ years in manufacturing/engineering.
• Min 3 years engineering leadership: hiring, prioritizing, feedback, accountability.
• Direct manufacturing engineering experience with equipment, tooling, test systems, data analysis, and drawings.
• Experience with lasers/optics, opto-mechanical systems, electronics, or high-precision assemblies.
• Proficiency with PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, root-cause/corrective-action.
• Strong communication across functions, and willingness to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop engineers and technicians with clear priorities and development plans.
• Collaborate with production and engineering to solve complex problems and ensure disciplined execution.
• Establish and sustain ISO 9001/AS9100 systems and use PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA to improve quality, safety and cost.
• Lead process, yield, cost, capacity, and equipment improvements from concept to volume production.
• Partner with design teams to improve manufacturability and transition products from prototype to production.
• Apply systems-engineering methods to integrate optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, and test elements.
• Manage production equipment lifecycle including procurement, installation, calibration, maintenance and obsolescence.
• Coordinate with cross-site teams to ensure risks are communicated and changes comply with EHS requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Travel readiness

Laser/Optics (experience)

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Graduate degree in engineering or applied science

Six Sigma Black Belt / Lean certification

Tools

PFMEA

Control Plans

SPC

MSA / Measurement System Analysis

Job description

nLIGHT is seeking a Process Engineering Manager to lead the Hillsboro site’s engineering team, drive process improvements, and ensure safe, reliable production. This onsite, hands-on leader will bridge design and manufacturing to scale products from prototype to volume production.

You will develop engineers, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, and apply systems-engineering methods to integrate optical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal elements into high-yield processes.