Optical Engineer — Fiber Lasers R&D (Onsite Boston)

nLIGHT, Inc.; Westborough (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Target Cash Bonus 5%

Restricted Stock Unit grants

4 weeks paid time off

Health benefits first day

401(k) with company match

Disability & Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

nLIGHT is seeking an Optical Engineer to advance fiber amplifier and fiber laser developments for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. You will join a small, agile engineering team contributing to R&D, prototype assembly, and testing, while expanding expertise in laser systems under the guidance of the Director of Engineering.

The role is onsite in the Greater-Boston area with opportunities to mentor, learn, and collaborate across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• BS in Physics, Optical Engineering, Material Science or related field. MS/PhD preferred.
• 3+ years of work experience or equivalent.
• Hands-on with development of fiber/solid-state lasers and amplifiers, optics, or opto-mechanical systems.
• Experience with non-linear optics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and data‑driven approach.
• Ability to present results clearly and work as leader or contributor.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to cross-functional team developing novel fiber amplifiers and fiber laser designs.
• Support rapid R&D to prototype with hands-on lab assembly and testing.
• Collect, analyze, and document experimental data; create tests and data sets.
• Apply laser theory and opto-mechanical design to R&D projects.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions.
• Collaborate across nLIGHT sites including WA, OR, CO; travel up to 10%.

Skills

Fiber lasers

Opto-mechanical systems

Data analysis

Problem solving

Leadership

Laser theory

Education

BS in Physics

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Power supplies

Signal generators

Oscilloscopes

Optical detectors

Power meters

Job description

nLIGHT is seeking an Optical Engineer to advance fiber amplifier and fiber laser developments for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. You will join a small, agile engineering team contributing to R&D, prototype assembly, and testing, while expanding expertise in laser systems under the guidance of the Director of Engineering.

The role is onsite in the Greater-Boston area with opportunities to mentor, learn, and collaborate across multiple locations.