Mechanical Engineering Manager

nLIGHT; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

nLIGHT is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and synchronize a team focused on designing and integrating complex High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. This role demands a highly organized individual with a strong work ethic and expertise in mechanical systems, project management, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of design processes, excellence in results, and adaptability in fast-paced environments.

Benefits

Health (ACA Gold Plan), Dental and Vision Care paid 100% for Employee

Company paid Life Insurance

Competitive 401k with immediate vesting

Approx. 3 weeks Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays

Qualifications

• A minimum of 8+ years of experience in complex mechanical system design.
• 2+ years of experience managing mechanical engineering teams.
• Ability to develop rapid-turn solutions in changing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical engineering team in design and integration.
• Oversee procurement and assembly of engineering builds.
• Provide mentorship and ensure project alignment with goals.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

BS or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Project management software

Job description

Position: Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Experience: A minimum of 8+ years of experience.

Minimum Education: BS or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or in related field.

Location: Longmont, CO

Compensation Range: $140,000-$190,000 depending upon education, skills, and experience.

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading developers of High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. HEL weapon systems are a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DS is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities – from semiconductor device through target identification and tracking – 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. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, is highly organized, self-motivated, enjoys working as a part of a team, and has an insatiable appetite to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment while continuously contributing to our mission.

Our Mechanical Engineering team at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. synchronizes 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 are looking to add a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a team of 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:

• Lead the team in the design, analysis, and assembly of mechanical systems from concept through final design and integration.
• Overseeprocurementandassemblyofengineeringbuilds,ensuringefficiencyandaccuracy.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to team members, fostering professional growth andknowledgesharing.
• Managethemechanicalengineeringteam,ensuringalignmentwithprojectgoalsandschedules.
• Collaboratewithcross-functionalteamstoachieveprojectobjectives.

Required Experience / Capability:

• Commitmenttoexcellenceandattentiontodetail.
• Prideinworkmanshipanddeliveringhigh-qualityresults.
• Minimumof8+yearsofexperienceincomplexmechanicalsystemdesignandintegration.
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience managing dynamic and collaborative mechanical engineering teams.
• Abilitytoadapttofrequentlychangingrequirementsanddeveloprapid-turnsolutions.
• ProficiencyinprojectmanagementsoftwaresuchasGitLab,Jira,orsimilar.
• Expertiseinsystem-leveltradestudiesanddocumentingengineeringdecisions.
• Strong leadership in developing and guiding the creation of design solutions based on requirements and stakeholder inputs, ensuring alignment with project goals and strategic vision.
• Experiencebreakingdownlarge-scalesystemdesignsanddelegatingtaskstoadiverseteam.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and ability to perform hand calculations to verify design requirements
• Strongtroubleshootingskillsandproblem-solvingabilities.
• Experience in fabrication and assembly drawing preparation for manufacturing (ISO and ANSI standards), including version control and change record documentation.
• Expertiseindesignformanufacturabilityandassembly(DFMA),withknowledgeofvarious manufacturingtechniques(machining,sheetmetal,injectionmolding,etc.)

Additional Desired Experience / Capability: (examples below)

• Supervisoryand/ormanagementexperienceinanengineeringenvironment.
• Experience in rugged design for optical systems, including kinematic, flexure mounting, andadhesivemounting.
• Familiarity with electro-optical systems implementation and optical system alignment/test methods.
• Experienceinopto-mechanicalassembly,includingcomponentinspection,dry-assembly,andbonding.
• Proficiency in thermal management systems and STOP analysis (structural, thermal, opticalperformance).
• Expertiseinvibrationtest,analysis,andisolationmethods,particularlyjitteranalysisforopto-mechanicalsystems.
• Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and modeling of vibration and thermal effects,includingstaticstructure,fatigue,randomvibration,andmodalanalysis.
• Proficiencyincomputationalfluiddynamics(CFD)analysis.
• FamiliaritywithMATLABandLabVIEW.
• ExperiencewithAdaptiveOptical(AO)Systemsand/orHighEnergyLasersystems.
• ExposuretoMIL-STD-810designand/ortesting.
• Experienceoperatingmachining,welding,orfabricationequipment.

Benefits Summary:Health (ACA Gold Plan), Dental and Vison Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents. Company paid Life Insurance and Short and Long Term Disability. Competitive 401k with immediate vesting of company contribution. Approx. 3 weeks Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays.

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].