Vice President - Human Resouces

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 the things that can be made.

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

We are looking for a Vice President Human Resources to play a critical leadership role at nLIGHT as our worldwide organization continues to scale. An experienced HR leader who enjoys a fast‑paced environment and shaping an organization for the future can have a real impact on this rapidly growing laser technology and manufacturing company. Lead an experienced HR organization, managing programs and processes designed to recruit, hire, develop and retain a talented, motivated and productive workforce.

Partner with company leaders in operations, business unit and functional areas on personnel related strategy and programs. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, this person will work primarily onsite in Camas, WA.

• Oversee all aspects of Human Resources functions worldwide, including programs, systems and processes for talent acquisition, employee onboarding and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, organizational strategy and implementation of changes, employee relations, HR systems, and compliance. Directly manage key compensation processes, decisions and obtaining approvals.
• Manage and collaborate with HR teams located in the US (Pacific Northwest and Colorado sites) and China, developing and building on corporate level HR programs, policies and practices, considering local labor laws and existing practices. For smaller international sites, meet with the leaders on a regular basis to discuss personnel related topics.
• Develop productive and influential relationships with the leaders of the company. Learn about the organization and business to inform your advice or coaching of leaders in support of company strategy and objectives.
• Develop and implement short and long‑term HR strategies that align with organizational goals. Coordinate as needed with other functional teams and leaders.
• Manage public company and corporate HR requirements including participating in Proxy drafting and review, providing fiduciary oversight for 401(k) and benefits, and managing other legal and compliance obligations.
• Prepare materials and analysis for the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee; manage required approvals as needed.
• Ensure consistent application of HR processes and policies, compliance with labor laws, and adherence to reporting requirements.
• Provide expert counsel to senior leadership. Identify and track key HR metrics to communicate trends and help solve issues that affect the organization, such as productivity, engagement and retention.
• Partner with senior leaders to build leadership capability and ensure a strong pipeline for future growth.
• Oversee HR systems, such as applicant tracking system and HRIS (partnering with payroll), ensuring data integrity, maintenance of employment records and efficiency. Select vendors and manage vendor relationships.
• Oversee preparation and delivery of HR training; draft/review corporate or site level communications to employees.
• Provide guidance and leadership to the HR team, continuing to strengthen the organization through development and mentoring.
• Support corporate initiatives.
• Visit sites in Vancouver, Washington, Hillsboro, Oregon and Longmont, CO. Occasional other travel depending on business activities.

• Bachelor's degree required, major in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field preferred.
• Current HR certification is preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in HR, with minimum 2 years of experience in a technology company, preferably high‑tech manufacturing environment. Experience in finance / business roles is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading human resources in a large, complex organization is required;…