Senior Mechanical Engineer - Defense

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).

nLIGHT is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy laser systems. This role requires strong opto-mechanical design skills and hands‑on experience developing rugged, production‑ready hardware for demanding military environments. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary team spanning optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering, with primary responsibility for mechanical design, analysis, and verification of laser amplifier subsystems.

• Design and develop mechanical and opto‑mechanical subsystems for high‑power fiber laser amplifiers used in directed‑energy applications
• Contribute to mechanical architecture and detailed design to meet performance, SWaP, environmental, reliability, and cost requirements
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define system layouts, interfaces, and product requirements
• Apply DFX principles to develop manufacturable, cost‑effective designs suitable for prototype and production builds
• Perform engineering analyses including thermal management, heat transfer, structural integrity, vibration, shock, and materials selection
• Support planning and execution of design verification, acceptance testing, and environmental qualification testing
• Participate in procurement, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and production hardware
• Design and support tooling, fixtures, and process equipment for manufacturing
• Support system‑level integration and testing activities as required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
• Minimum of 7+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience
• Experience in precision mechanical and opto‑mechanical design
• Familiarity with manufacturing methods including machining, sheet metal, and injection molding
• Proficiency in Solid Works and engineering drawing practices, including tolerance analysis and GD&T per ANSI Y14.5
• Experience performing thermal and structural analyses
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance

• Development or testing of high‑power laser or electro‑optical systems
• Experience with fiber optics and optical assemblies
• Environmental and mechanical qualification testing for military or aerospace applications
• Experience with COMSOL or similar analysis tools

Starting pay depends on qualifications:

• Senior Mechanical Engineer: $105,000 – $130,000 annually

• 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 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).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,…