Process Engineer

nLIGHT, Inc.; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off 4 weeks

11 paid Holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition Assistance Program

Health (ACA Gold Plan) coverage

Vision and Dental paid by employer

Paid Family Leave

Short and Long Term Disability

401k with company match

Job summary

nLIGHT, Inc. in Longmont, CO is seeking a Process Engineer to own the end-to-end process architecture for our advanced R&D systems. You will drive the implementation of manufacturing strategies to ensure first-of-its-kind hardware is built with world-class precision, including DFM/DFSS and process control.

Applicants must be able to obtain or currently hold a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance; preference for those with an existing clearance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of process development in aerospace, defense, or high‑power optics.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred.
• Experience applying DFM/DFSS to move R&D hardware into stable production.
• Proficiency in process control (SPC or equivalent), MSA, and Gage R&R.
• All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable manufacturing processes and documentation, working with design teams to optimize high-performance systems.
• Lead DFM/DFA and DFSS initiatives to improve manufacturability, yield, and production readiness.
• Set the standard for process control (SPC or equivalent) and MSA/GR&R protocols, ensuring equipment qualification.
• Apply structured problem-solving to resolve integration challenges in R&D hardware.
• Manage lifecycle of manufacturing tooling from requirements to calibration and maintenance.

Skills

Process development

DFM/DFSS

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

SPC

Gage R&R

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering

Job description

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)

Experience: 5+ years of experience in leading process development in aerospace, defense, or high‑power optics.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Compensation: $120,000–$170,000 depending on experience.

Summary

As a Process Engineer, you are a technical leader responsible for the end‑to‑end process architecture of our complex R&D systems. You will drive the implementation of advanced manufacturing strategies, ensuring that first‑of‑its‑kind hardware is built with world‑class precision. We are looking for a Black Belt who can solve chronic yield issues, influence design through DFM, and provide the foundational leadership to build a department from the ground up.

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable manufacturing processes and documentation, working directly with design teams to ensure high‑performance systems are optimized for repeatable builds.
• Lead DFM/DFA and DFSS initiatives to optimize manufacturability, yield, and production readiness.
• Set the standard for company‑wide process control (SPC or other) and MSA/GR&R protocols, ensuring all test and assembly equipment are fully qualified and capable.
• Solve the integration challenges by applying structured problem‑solving methodologies to R&D hardware.
• Manage the lifecycle of specialized manufacturing tooling, including initial requirement definition to final qualification and ongoing calibration & maintenance.

Required Experience / Capability

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• 5+ years of experience in process development in aerospace, defense, or high‑power optics.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred.
• Proven track record of applying DFM/DFSS to move R&D hardware into stable production.
• Practical expertise in process control (SPC or other), MSA, and Gage R&R.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and establish formal production rigor.

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 the government poster provided. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].