Staff Electrical Test Engineer

nLIGHT, Inc.; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

11 holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition Assistance

Health/Vision/Dental coverage

Family Leave & Disability

401k with match

Job summary

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. in Longmont, CO is seeking a Staff Electrical Test Engineer to verify and qualify rugged electronic systems for defense applications.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams to develop automated and manual test solutions ensuring performance, reliability, and compliance with military standards. The role requires 5+ years of hardware validation experience, proficiency with MATLAB/Python/C++, and the ability to read schematics and PCB documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience supporting hardware validation, integration, testing, or qualification of electronic systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing automated test software using MATLAB, Python, C, and/or C++.
• Working knowledge of MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, PCB documentation, and component specifications.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute manual, automated, and environmental test protocols to evaluate performance, reliability, safety, and durability of electronic systems and assemblies.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize automated test software using MATLAB, Python, C, and C++ to support verification, validation, and EMC/EMI testing activities.
• Conduct verification and validation testing in accordance with applicable military, aerospace, and quality management standards.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical and electronic failures at the component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Analyze test data, perform root-cause investigations, and document findings through detailed engineering reports and presentations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Technical writing

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C

C++

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

Power supplies

Digital multimeters

Job description

Location: Longmont, CO (Onsite)

Experience: 5+ years of Electrical Engineering or hardware validation experience

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 depending on experience

Who We Are nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities from semiconductor device through target identification to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective. We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities, and technology to bring leading-edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.

Summary As a Staff Electrical Test Engineer, you will support the verification, validation, and qualification of rugged electronic systems and components for advanced defense applications. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will develop and execute automated and manual test solutions to ensure product performance, reliability, and compliance with military and industry standards. This role bridges product development and production by applying expertise in electronic test methods, component-level troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and test automation. The ideal candidate is passionate about hands-on engineering, data-driven decision making, and delivering high-quality solutions in support of critical defense programs.

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

• Design, develop, and execute manual, automated, and environmental test protocols to evaluate the performance, reliability, safety, and durability of electronic systems and assemblies.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize automated test software using MATLAB, Python, C, and C++ to support verification, validation, and EMC/EMI testing activities.
• Conduct verification and validation testing in accordance with applicable military, aerospace, and quality management standards.
• Interpret technical documentation including schematics, PCB layouts, component datasheets, interface control documents (ICDs), and engineering specifications.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical and electronic failures at the component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Analyze test data, perform root-cause investigations, and document findings through detailed engineering reports and presentations.
• Support qualification and compliance testing activities, including environmental and electromagnetic compatibility evaluations.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, electro-optical, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to improve product performance and reduce technical risk.
• Support transition of products from development into production through test process development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate test records, configuration control documentation, and compliance artifacts.

Required Experience / Capability

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience supporting hardware validation, integration, testing, or qualification of electronic systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing automated test software using MATLAB, Python, C, and/or C++.
• Working knowledge of military qualification standards, including MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461.
• Experience executing, supporting, or analyzing EMC/EMI testing activities.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, PCB documentation, and component specifications.
• Proficiency with laboratory test equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power supplies, and digital multimeters.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause investigation skills.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with aerospace and military connectors, cable harness practices, IPC workmanship standards, and material compliance requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with SolidWorks.
• Experience designing and developing electrical or electronic test fixtures.
• Experience with automated cable and wire-harness testing.
• Experience performing Hi-Pot and insulation resistance testing.
• Additional experience supporting MIL-STD qualification testing programs.
• Experience working within defense, aerospace, or high-reliability electronics environments.

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 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].