Jobs and Careers

Sr. Optical Engineer - Defense

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 5 May 2025

💰 $140,000/yr($81,000/yr – $140,000/yr)

About the role

Who We Are

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). Summary
The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of high-power fiber amplifiers. This position will develop next-generation fiber laser products in a fast-growing, vertically integrated company. Take products from concept phase through prototypes to product release as a core member of an interdisciplinary team.
Functions:

Contribute to a cross-functional team pursuing the development of novel fiber laser designs.
Manage critical development and program tasks and take ownership of key technical areas.
Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, fiber optics and opto-mechanical design to the development of high-power fiber amplifiers for military/defense applications
Design and develop fiber laser systems and critical components, including seed lasers, amplifiers, and opto-mechanical sub-systems.
Test and characterization of complex, laser-based, opto-mechanical systems.

Qualifications:

MS or PhD in an engineering discipline, Physics, or Material Science, or equivalent experience.
Hands on experience with the development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers and amplifiers, optics, and/or opto-mechanical systems.
Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, including problem identification, data analysis, action planning, and execution.
Strong theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers and their associated optics.
Fiber laser system design and modeling, including practical considerations such as manufacturability, is desired.
Experience designing complex opto-mechanical systems for military or defense applications is a plus.
Ability to summarize and present results and conclusions clearly and effectively.
Ability to work as both a leader and contributor.

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Starting pay depends on qualifications:

Optical Engineer I: $81,000 - $98,000
Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000
Senior Optical Engineer: $103,000 - $140,000

Other Compensation and Benefits

Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages, [depending on level]
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: