Mechanical Quality Engineer

nLIGHT, Inc.; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks Paid Time Off

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition Assistance Program

Health, Vision, and Dental Care

Paid Family Leave

401k with company match

Job summary

nLIGHT, Inc. seeks an experienced Quality Engineer in Longmont, CO. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the quality of mechanical components for High Energy Laser systems, employing rigorous standards necessary for military applications. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years' experience in quality engineering, preferably with opto-mechanical systems.

Responsibilities include managing NCMRs, supplier audits, and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance production quality. The position supports a culture of excellence within a leading company in directed energy systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Quality Engineering or related fields.
• Strong expertise in GD&T, drawing interpretation, and precision dimensional validation.
• Knowledge of AS9100, FMEA, and Six Sigma methodologies is required.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage NCMRs, including root cause analysis.
• Review engineering drawings for manufacturability and completeness.
• Conduct supplier audits to improve part consistency.
• Develop and implement statistical models and process controls.
• Ensure compliance to AS9100 and related standards.

Skills

Commitment to Excellence

Attention to Detail

Pride in Workmanship

Strong expertise in GD&T

Familiarity with statistical process control

Education

BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering

Tools

Statistical Process Control Tools

Job description

Location

Longmont, CO (onsite)

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of experience working in quality engineering with opto-mechanical systems.

Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field.

Compensation

$140,000-$180,000 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

Quality Engineers at nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. play a critical role in ensuring that every mechanical component and assembly supporting our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems meets the rigorous standards required for defense applications. You will establish and lead quality engineering practices across incoming inspection, supplier quality, and production support. We rely on analytical, highly motivated Quality Engineers who can drive root cause investigations, lead supplier engagement, and elevate our manufacturing processes.

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

• Own and manage NCMRs, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, and tracking to closure.
• Review engineering drawings for manufacturability, clarity, and completeness.
• Conduct supplier audits and work directly with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve incoming part consistency.
• Use CMM output and dimensional data to validate part conformance and support statistically driven decisions.
• Develop and implement statistical models, SPC charts, capability analyses, and process controls.
• Ensure compliance to AS9100, DFMEA practices, Six Sigma methodologies, and ASTM E595 guidelines.
• Work cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain to improve yields, reduce escapes, and elevate process robustness.
• Support first article inspections, serialization, traceability, and documentation efforts as systems and processes mature.
• Provide technical guidance and schedules to inspectors, technicians, and operators on best practices and interpretation of requirements.

Required Experience / Capability

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• 10+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical roles.
• BS degree in an Engineering discipline (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related).
• Strong expertise in GD&T, drawing interpretation, and precision dimensional validation.
• Proven experience with NCMR, MRB, and leading structured root cause investigations.
• Familiarity with statistical process control, capability studies, and data-driven decision making.
• Knowledge of AS9100, FMEA, Six Sigma methodologies, and relevant industry standards.

Additional Desired Experience / Capability

• Background working with machined parts, carbon fiber components, and/or precision mechanical assemblies.
• Certification(s) such as Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, ASQ CQE, or similar.
• Experience creating process control plans and quality documentation in a startup or new facility environment.

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].