Electro-Optical Engineer

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)

Experience: 5+ years electro‑optical experience

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science, or related field.

Compensation: $130,000–$170,000 depending on experience.

Electro‑Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are responsible for problem‑solving and coordinating multidisciplinary teams using Git Lab‑based planning tools. You will engage in opto‑mechanical design, integration, software integration, and data analysis, progressing from bench procedures to integrated product team lead and ultimately to technical program manager delivering complete EO systems to customers.

All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing clearance. Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

• Design, Development, Integration, and Test for High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon System and/or HEL Beam Control System (BCS).
• Hardware integration and test; data processing and preparation of performance and test documentation.
• Develop test setups to evaluate performance parameters.
• Work with the team to execute complex integration activities.
• Support field tests.

• Commitment to Excellence, Attention to Detail, Pride in Workmanship.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure under pressure.
• Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal direction to meet mid‑to‑long‑term objectives.
• Superior problem‑solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources.
• Installation, alignment, and integration of optics, electro‑optics, and mechanics (COTS & custom). Competence in maintaining cleanliness standards and operation in a clean‑room environment.
• Expertise with laser and electro‑optical systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for complex opto‑mechanical alignment problems, especially ruggedized systems.
• Technical report writing and documentation skills.
• Experience with high‑power laser systems.
• Integration of auto‑alignment algorithms and methods.
• Integration for real‑time control of electro‑optical / mechanical components using LabVIEW, MATLAB, firmware, and/or C/C++/C# (code reuse).
• Experience with electro‑optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking.
• Experience with MATLAB and/or C/C++/C# is beneficial.
• Experience with Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems.
• Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements for high‑power applications.
• Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management.

• Experience in rugged design for optical systems (kinematic, flexure mounting, adhesive mounting).
• Familiarity with implementation of electro‑optical systems.
• Experience in optical system alignment and test methods.
• Experience in opto‑mechanical assembly, including receiving, inspecting components, dry‑assembly, bonding.
• Experience in thermal management systems.
• STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
• Experience in vibration test and analysis and isolation methods, including jitter analysis for opto‑mechanical systems.
• Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and modeling of vibration and thermal effects.
• Static structure, fatigue, random vibration, and modal analysis.
• Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
• Experience with MATLAB & LabVIEW.
• Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems.
• Exposure to MIL‑STD‑810 design and/or testing.
• Experience with operation of machining, welding, or fabrication equipment.

• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
• 11 paid holidays
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for employee and 75% for dependents
• Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
• Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting

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.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at