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Sr. Process Engineer

nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc.
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 2 Feb 2026
💰 $125,000/yr($100,000/yr$125,000/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).  

About the Role

Enable next generation of fiber laser products through process development and supporting transition from concept to volume manufacturing. Drive continuous improvement activities in a manufacturing environment of released products, support production as appropriate and coordinate effectively with a wide range of cross functional groups.  Responsibilities  
  • Support transition of new products from prototype to volume production utilizing DFSS and DFM. 
  • Drive continuous improvement opportunities and yield metrics utilizing wide variety of analytical techniques (such as SPC, DOE, Gauge R&R), lean manufacturing and six sigma concepts. 
  • Support manufacturing of released processes and products  
  • Build new fiber laser product lines as part of a key strategy in a vertically integrated organization 
  • Document, improve, and maintain work instructions and support training of personnel. 
  • Lead and execute process development and improvement projects from conception to completion. 
  • Identify recent external advancements in appropriate technical field and qualify into production as capable processes. 
  • Evaluate, procure, and qualify new manufacturing equipment and tools. 
  • Direct daily activities of engineering technicians 
 Qualifications  
  • Master’s degree in engineering (Optical, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Physics) or exceptional industrial experience in closely related technologies.  
  • 5+ years of recent experience in process or product development of lasers, systems engineering or related discipline. 
  • Experience setting up new product lines, and proven track record of transitioning into volume production 
  • Hands on working experience with optical fibers, lasers, optics, electronics and precision opto-mechanical systems and tools. 
  • Strong record of problem solving through structured methodologies and implementing robust processes and systems. 
  • Situational leadership skills and ability to work with cross functional & multi-site teams effectively. 
  • Experience with mechanical drawings, basic tooling and fixture design. 
  • Experience with setting up new product lines and transitioning into volume production. 
  • Experience with JMP, SQL, PowerBI, Excel, etc 
 Preferred Qualifications  
  • ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt preferred 
  • Solidworks, mechanical design experience 
  • Project leadership and systems engineering experience 
 nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  Starting salary level is based on qualifications: ·         Sr Process Development Engineer III: $100,000 - $125,000 Other Compensation and Benefits   
  • Target Cash Bonus of 6% of earned 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 S

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Company

nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc.

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