Senior or Principal Process Development Engineer

Who We AreAt 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). About the RoleA key leader within the Process Engineering team, the successful candidate will require a strong combination of technical acumen in a fiber laser / optics / systems engineering related field, leadership / situational awareness, and a drive to deliver successful outcomes in a faced paced environment. They will coordinate effectively with a wide range of cross functional groups to deliver capable processes leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing environment. This is a full-time onsite position, working at our Camas location. Your Responsibilities: 

• Early engagement with design teams on new system architecture / designs to ensure manufacturability in production 
• Utilizing Systems Engineering techniques, ensure efficient integration of optical, mechanical, and electrical components to deliver high yielding production processes
• Leads and executes process development and improvement projects from conception to completion 
• Supports transition of new products from prototype to volume production utilizing Lean practices, DFSS, and DFM 
• Supports manufacturing of released processes and products including documenting work instructions and critical processes, and support training of personnel 
• Evaluation, procurement, and qualification of new manufacturing equipment and tools 
• Identification of recent external advancements in appropriate technical fields and qualifies these into production as capable processes 
• Directs daily activities of Engineers and Engineering Technicians 

Your Qualifications & Experience: 

• Post-Graduate Degree in engineering (Optical, Electrical, Physics, Mechanical, Chemical) and 10+ years of industrial experience in closely related technologies, or equivalent combination of education (Bachelors Degree) and exceptional industrial experience 
• Extensive experience in process or product development, covering technology areas such as lasers, opto-mechanical integration or complex power electronics 
• Systems Engineering skills with strong expertise in process and quality control methods and a detailed understanding of statistical process control techniques and process capability 
• Direct experience with manufacturing and testing of high-powered electrical and optical systems.  Experience with defense-related industries and standards including experience assessing and delivering processes to required TRL / MRL levels preferred 
• Experience with setting up early prototyping and testing and new product lines and transitioning early products into volume production 
• Strong record of problem solving through structured methodologies and implementing and sustaining robust processes and systems 
• Situational leadership skills and ability to work with cross functional & multi-site teams effectively. Ability to drive consensus and deliver results in a faced paced environment 
• Hands-on working experience with optical fibers, lasers, optics, electronics and precision mechanical systems and required tools. Optical fiber splicing experience highly desired 
• Experience with assembly processes including use of tools, complex test equipment, adhesives, electrical power and cooling systems highly desired 
• Working knowledge of manufacturing financial metrics and understanding of key drivers of cost 
• Demonstrated ability to hire, train and mentor engineers and technicians 

Preferred Qualifications 

• ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt  
• Master's and/or PhD  
• Knowledge and understanding of optical fibers, fiber assemblies and termination, optics, test margins, laser diodes and a variety of metrology/characterization/failure analysis techniques. 
• Experience with JMP, SQL, LabView, MATLAB, PowerBI, etc.
• 10+ years of recent experience in process or product development of lasers, electronics, systems engineering and yield improvements or related discipline. 

  nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Starting salary level is based on qualifications: 

• Sr Process Development Engineer: $100,000 to $125,000 annually
• Principal Process Development Engineer: $125,000 to $155,000 annually 

Other Compensation and Benefits 

• Eligible for Target Cash Bonus of 6-8% of base salary (depending on level)
• Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants 
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off per year, increasing