Senior Optical Engineer

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. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also the things that can be made.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

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.

• 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 characterize complex, laser‑based, opto‑mechanical systems.

• MS degree required in an engineering discipline, Physics or Materials Science. PhD preferred.
• 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.
• 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.

Starting pay and level depend on qualifications:

• Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000
• Senior Optical Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000

Other Compensation and Benefits:

• Target Cash Bonus of 5‑6% 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 first 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:
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 (360) 566‑4460 or [email protected].

nLIGHT participates in the E‑Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization.

For more information, please review the following notices: E‑Verify Participation Poster, Right to Work Poster.