Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Camas, WA$125K - $165K / yearPosted 1 weeks ago

Full-timeonsiteprincipal

Description

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).

Position Summary

nLIGHT is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy laser systems. This role requires deep expertise in opto-mechanical design and system-level thinking, with responsibility for mechanical architecture, design trade studies, and technical execution across complex programs. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work closely with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering leaders and will help guide mechanical design strategy for laser amplifier subsystems.

Key Responsibilities

Lead mechanical and opto-mechanical architecture and design for high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy systems
Drive design trade studies addressing performance, SWaP, reliability, environmental survivability, manufacturability, and cost
Define mechanical requirements, interfaces, and system layouts in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams
Apply DFX principles and manufacturing best practices to deliver robust, production-ready designs
Lead or review engineering analyses including thermal management, structural integrity, vibration, shock, and materials selection
Define and oversee design verification, acceptance testing, and environmental qualification strategies
Provide technical oversight for procurement, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and production hardware
Develop tooling, fixtures, and process equipment strategies to support scalable manufacturing
Support system-level integration and testing of HEL combined systems as required
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multiple projects or programs

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
Typically 10+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
Extensive experience in precision mechanical and opto-mechanical design
Strong background in manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, and injection molding
Proficiency in SolidWorks and advanced engineering drawing practices, including tolerance analysis and GD&T per ANSI Y14.5
Demonstrated expertise in thermal, structural, and materials analyses
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance

Preferred Experience

Development and qualification of high-power laser or electro-optical systems
Experience with fiber optics, optical assemblies, and precision alignment techniques
Environmental and mechanical qualification testing for military applications
Experience with COMSOL or similar analysis tools
Experience supporting system-level integration of directed-energy or HEL systems
Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical efforts
Active DoD Secret Clearance

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Starting pay depends on qualifications:

Principal Mechanical Engineer: $125,000 - $165,000 annually

Other Compensation and Benefits

Target Cash Bonus of 10%
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).

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. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or [email protected].

E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

For more information, please review the following notices: