Mechanical Quality Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks of Paid Time Off

11 paid Holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition Assistance Program

Health, Vision and Dental Care

Paid Family Leave

Job summary

nLIGHT is seeking a Quality Engineer to ensure that components for High Energy Laser (HEL) systems meet rigorous defense standards. This role requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in quality engineering, a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, and the ability to manage quality practices across inspections, supplier quality, and production.

Join us in Longmont, CO, to lead root cause investigations, improve manufacturing processes, and drive quality assurance in a fast-paced environment. Benefits include 4 weeks PTO, paid holidays, and health insurance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or related technical roles.
• Strong expertise in GD&T and drawing interpretation.
• Proven experience with NCMR and leading structured root cause investigations.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage NCMRs, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Review engineering drawings for manufacturability and completeness.
• Conduct supplier audits to resolve quality issues and improve consistency.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Commitment to Excellence

Root Cause Analysis

Statistical Process Control

Precision Dimensional Validation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Optical Engineering

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.

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

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].