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Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense
nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc.United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 22 Jan 2026
💰 $165,000/yr($125,000/yr – $165,000/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).Position SummarynLIGHT is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy laser systems. This role requires deep expertise in opto-mechanical design and system-level thinking, with responsibility for mechanical architecture, design trade studies, and technical execution across complex programs. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work closely with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering leaders and will help guide mechanical design strategy for laser amplifier subsystems.Key Responsibilities- Lead mechanical and opto-mechanical architecture and design for high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy systems
- Drive design trade studies addressing performance, SWaP, reliability, environmental survivability, manufacturability, and cost
- Define mechanical requirements, interfaces, and system layouts in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams
- Apply DFX principles and manufacturing best practices to deliver robust, production-ready designs
- Lead or review engineering analyses including thermal management, structural integrity, vibration, shock, and materials selection
- Define and oversee design verification, acceptance testing, and environmental qualification strategies
- Provide technical oversight for procurement, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and production hardware
- Develop tooling, fixtures, and process equipment strategies to support scalable manufacturing
- Support system-level integration and testing of HEL combined systems as required
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multiple projects or programs
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
- Typically 10+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
- Extensive experience in precision mechanical and opto-mechanical design
- Strong background in manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, and injection molding
- Proficiency in SolidWorks and advanced engineering drawing practices, including tolerance analysis and GD&T per ANSI Y14.5
- Demonstrated expertise in thermal, structural, and materials analyses
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance
- Development and qualification of high-power laser or electro-optical systems
- Experience with fiber optics, optical assemblies, and precision alignment techniques
- Environmental and mechanical qualification testing for military applications
- Experience with COMSOL or similar analysis tools
- Experience supporting system-level integration of directed-energy or HEL systems
- Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical efforts
- Active DoD Secret Clearance
- Principal Mechanical Engineer: $125,000 - $165,000 annually
- Target Cash Bonus of 10%
- 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 Spen
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