Product Engineer

nLIGHT, Inc.; Camas (WA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Target Bonus 5%

Restricted Stock Units

PTO 4 weeks

Job summary

nLIGHT is seeking a Product Engineer to own system testing, troubleshooting, and cost estimation across product life cycles for high‑power semiconductor and fiber laser systems. This role emphasizes collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and sales teams to optimize performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, hands‑on experience with data analysis, and a passion for developing cutting‑edge laser products in a fast‑paced

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of corporate experience required.
• BS Physics, Systems Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar discipline.
• Excellent communication, listening and collaboration skills.
• Attention to detail and problem solving ability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct system testing to validate product performance and reliability.
• Troubleshoot issues on the manufacturing floor and remotely with customers.
• Support Sales and Management to understand customer applications and generate sales collateral.
• Establish root cause and corrective actions from failure analysis of RMAs and NCMs.
• Aggregate production data to drive improvement plans.
• Suggest tools, systems, and processes to improve quality and efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to set schedules and refine BOM accuracy.
• Contribute to new product introductions.

Skills

2+ years exp

Excellent communication

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Cross-functional

Education

BS Physics

Electrical/Optical Eng

Tools

MS Excel

SQL

Python

MS Dynamics D365

PDM

Job description

About NLIGHT

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.

About NLIGHT

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).

The ideal candidate will be involved in all aspects of the product life cycle at nLIGHT including system architecture, performance metrics, costs, schedules, and troubleshooting to enable the realization of next generation directed energy laser products. This challenging position requires a systematic approach to problem‑solving, with an understanding of engineering principles and methodologies. You will have the opportunity to work on innovative projects that push the boundaries of scientific research and assist in the defense of our nation’s armed forces. The preferred candidate will be highly motivated with an excellent record of performance in a technical field and can bring their passion in developing and producing products to cutting‑edge lasers.

Functions

• Conduct system testing to validate product performance and reliability
• Troubleshoot and resolve questions and issues both in person, and on the manufacturing floor as well as remotely with customers
• Support Sales and Management to understand customer applications, product use, and generate sales collateral (i.e. Interface Control Documents, use instructions)
• Seek improvements in reliability based on failure analysis of external RMAs and internal NCMs by establishing root cause and recommending appropriate corrective and preventative action plans
• Aggregate and review production data (yield to specifications, cycle times, labor hours, BOM costs) to facilitate improvement plans
• Present opportunities to improve product and business efficiency/accuracy/quality with new tools/systems/processes
• Collaborate with development and manufacturing engineering teams to set schedules, create process instruction, and refine BOM accuracy
• Estimate project costs with work breakdowns as well as establish initial product costs through detailed yielded engineering BOMs
• Contribute to nLIGHT’s NPI (New Product Introduction) process for new product releases

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of corporate experience required
• BS Physics, Systems Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar discipline
• Excellent communication, listening and collaboration skills
• A passion for learning new things with the ability to absorb and assimilate information rapidly
• Attention to detail
• Ability to solve/break down complex problems
• The ability to coordinate across organizational boundaries
• Highly organized with the ability to work in a fast‑paced, changing environment
• Strong Computer Skills required. Useful list includes MS Excel, MS Word, SQL, VB, Python, MS Dynamics D365, PDM, etc.
• Direct optical, laser, mechanical, and/or electrical design experience preferred
• Program/Project Management competency helpful
• Defense experience useful

NLIGHT Is Proud To Offer Comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary level based on experience, education, and skills:

• Product Engineer I: $89,000 - $100,000 annually
• Product Engineer II: $95,000 - $115,000 annually

Other Compensation And Benefits

• Target Cash Bonus of 5% of your 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: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_eeoc_knowyourrights6.12screenrdr.pdf

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