Process 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

100% Health, Vision and Dental Care for Employee

100% Paid Family Leave

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Longmont, CO is seeking a Process Engineer to lead the end-to-end process architecture of R&D systems. Your role will involve implementing advanced manufacturing strategies while ensuring hardware is built with precision. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in aerospace or high-power optics, hold a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and excel in DFM applications. The company offers generous benefits including 4 weeks of PTO and a comprehensive health plan.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience leading 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead DFM/DFA strategy to optimize builds.
• Architect DFSS roadmap for new product introductions.
• Set standard protocols for SPC and MSA.
• Solve integration challenges for R&D hardware.
• Manage lifecycle of specialized manufacturing tooling.
• Define organizational structure and technical standards.

Skills

Commitment to Excellence

Attention to Detail

Pride in Workmanship

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Black Belt (preferred)

DFM/DFSS application

Practical expertise in SPC

Demonstrated ability in R&D environments

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Systems Engineering

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science

Job description

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)

Experience: At least 8 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, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Compensation: $140,000-$180,000 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. 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

• Lead the DFM/DFA strategy, working directly with design teams to ensure high-performance systems are optimized for repeatable builds.
• Architect the DFSS roadmap for new product introductions, ensuring MRL targets are met through rigorous data validation.
• Set the standard for company-wide SPC and MSA protocols, ensuring all test and assembly equipment are fully qualified and capable.
• Solve the integration challenges by applying advanced problem-solving methodologies to R&D hardware.
• Manage the lifecycle of specialized manufacturing tooling, from initial requirement definition to final qualification.
• Act as a key stakeholder in department growth, defining the organizational structure and technical standards for the process engineering team.

Required Experience / Capability

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• 8+ years of experience leading 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 SPC, MSA, and Gage R&R.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate the ambiguity of R&D environments 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

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].