Mechanical Engineer- Tooling

Location

Longmont, CO (onsite)

A minimum of 5+ years of experience in designing tooling, or support equipment. Experience with low volume, high precision systems is preferred.

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field.

$105,000-$140,000 based 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).

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Tooling Design Engineer to support the development and production of advanced High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. This role is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of specialized tooling, fixtures, test equipment, and support systems used throughout manufacturing, integration, and testing operations.

As a member of a newly established team supporting the HADES product line, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and production teams to develop innovative solutions that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and repeatability in the assembly and testing of complex electro-optical systems. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the successful production of cutting-edge defense technologies in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment.

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)..

• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary engineering and production environment to design, analyze, validate, and implement tooling and support equipment ranging from precision mechanical fixtures to electronic test stands and optical alignment systems.
• Lead mechanical design efforts for multiple concurrent projects, balancing short-turnaround tooling needs with larger, long-term development initiatives.
• Partner with Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Manufacturing, and Software Engineering teams to define requirements, evaluate design concepts, and ensure tooling solutions meet technical, schedule, and operational objectives.
• Create detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and documentation packages that support fabrication, assembly, testing, and maintenance activities.
• Perform engineering analyses, including tolerance studies, structural evaluations, and design verification activities, to ensure tooling meets performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, ergonomics, and operational effectiveness through innovative tooling and process solutions.
• Support the procurement, fabrication, assembly, and deployment of tooling and support equipment while coordinating with internal stakeholders and external vendors as required.
• Provide technical support during integration, testing, and production activities, troubleshooting tooling-related issues and implementing corrective actions when necessary.

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and pride in workmanship.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience designing and developing tooling, fixtures, or support equipment in an engineering, manufacturing, or production environment. Experience supporting low-volume, high-precision systems is preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, with Solid Works preferred, and a thorough understanding of engineering drawing standards, tolerance analysis, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Working knowledge of material properties, manufacturing…