Electrical Test Engineer

Location: Longmont, CO (Onsite)
Experience: 5+ years of Electrical Engineering or hardware validation experience
Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 depending on experience

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies.

Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities from semiconductor device through target identification to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective. We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities, and technology to bring leading-edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.

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

As a Staff Electrical Test Engineer, you will support the verification, validation, and qualification of rugged electronic systems and components for advanced defense applications. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will develop and execute automated and manual test solutions to ensure product performance, reliability, and compliance with military and industry standards.

This role bridges product development and production by applying expertise in electronic test methods, component-level troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and test automation. The ideal candidate is passionate about hands-on engineering, data-driven decision making, and delivering high-quality solutions in support of critical defense programs.

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 U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Please review this information before applying.

• Design, develop, and execute manual, automated, and environmental test protocols to evaluate the performance, reliability, safety, and durability of electronic systems and assemblies.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize automated test software using MATLAB, Python, C, and C++ to support verification, validation, and EMC/EMI testing activities.
• Conduct verification and validation testing in accordance with applicable military, aerospace, and quality management standards.
• Interpret technical documentation including schematics, PCB layouts, component datasheets, interface control documents (ICDs), and engineering specifications.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical and electronic failures at the component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Analyze test data, perform root-cause investigations, and document findings through detailed engineering reports and presentations.
• Support qualification and compliance testing activities, including environmental and electromagnetic compatibility evaluations.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, electro-optical, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to improve product performance and reduce technical risk.
• Support transition of products from development into production through test process development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate test records, configuration control documentation, and compliance artifacts.

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience supporting hardware validation, integration, testing, or qualification of electronic systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing automated test software using MATLAB, Python, C, and/or C++.
• Working knowledge of military qualification standards, including MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461.
• Experience executing, supporting, or analyzing EMC/EMI testing activities.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, PCB documentation, and component specifications.
• Proficiency with laboratory test equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power supplies, and digital multimeters.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause investigation skills.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with aerospace and military connectors, cable harness practices, IPC workmanship standards, and material compliance…