Optical Engineer

nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc.; Roswell (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Target Cash Bonus

RSU grants

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Health benefits

Job summary

nLIGHT is seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer to support the development and production of high-power CW and pulsed fiber laser systems. The role focuses on design, development, testing, and delivery of our laser products, with on-site work based in Roswell, GA.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in optical engineering, hands-on laser experience, solid lab skills, and the ability to report results to cross-functional teams. MS is preferred; travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. MS preferred.
• Hands on experience with fiber/solid-state lasers and amplifiers, optics, and opto-mechanical systems.
• Strong lab skills including optical testing and characterization of high-power lasers or complex optical sub-assemblies.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with data analysis and action planning.
• Theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers and optics.
• Fiber laser system design and modeling with manufacturability and reliability in mind.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to cross-functional development of novel fiber laser designs.
• Apply theory and experiments to develop high-power fiber lasers and components.
• Design, develop, and test fiber laser systems and critical components.
• Report design and test results to core and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Fiber/solid-state lasers

Opto-mechanical design

Laser testing & characterization

Data analysis & reporting

Communication & collaboration

Travel up to 10%

Education

BS in Optical Engineering/Physics

MS preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

ERP systems

Excel

SQL

Job description

Who We Are

At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

Summary

We are seeking a hands‑on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto‑mechanical or electro‑optical systems. This role focuses on high‑power CW and pulsed fiber laser systems from development through production. The ideal candidate is highly motivated and will contribute to the design, development, testing, and delivery of our laser products. This position will work onsite based in Roswell, GA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to a cross‑functional team pursuing the development of novel fiber laser and component designs
• Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, fiber optics, and opto‑mechanical design to the development of high‑power fiber lasers and components
• Design, develop, and test fiber laser systems and critical components, including fiber amplifiers
• Consistently and effectively report out on design and testing to core and cross‑functional teams

Skills & Qualifications:

• BS required in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. MS is preferred.
• Hands on experience with development of fiber and/or solid‑state lasers and amplifiers, optics, and/or opto‑mechanical systems
• Strong laboratory skills including optical testing and characterization of high‑power lasers or complex optical sub‑assemblies
• Solid analytical and problem‑solving skills, including problem identification, data analysis, action planning, and execution
• Theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers and their associated optics
• Fiber laser system design and modeling, including practical considerations (manufacturability, serviceability, and reliability) is desired
• Good communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Skills:

• Hands on experience with high‑power lasers for defense or aerospace applications.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, ERP systems, and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL).
• Working knowledge of reliability engineering, laser safety standards, and test automation.
• Ability to travel up to 10% for collaboration, customer engagement, conferences and training.
• Experience working on defense programs or with defense related companies.

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary level based on qualifications

Other Compensation and Benefits

• Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages
• Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
• 10 paid Holidays
• Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee‑paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
• Company paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).

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 [phone] or [e-mail].

E-Verify Participation:

nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization.

For more information, please review the following notices:

• E-Verify Participation Poster
• Right to Work Poster