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). About the Role A key leader within the Process Engineering team, the successful candidate will require a strong combination of technical acumen in a laser diode / optics / systems engineering related field, leadership / situational awareness, and a drive to deliver successful outcomes in a faced paced environment. They will coordinate effectively with a wide range of cross functional groups to deliver capable processes leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing environment. This is a full-time onsite position, working at our Camas location. Your Responsibilities:
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 employees Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information, please review the following notices:
- Early engagement with design teams on new system architecture / designs to ensure manufacturability in production
- Utilizing Systems Engineering techniques, ensure efficient integration of optical, mechanical, and electrical components to deliver high yielding production processes
- Leads and executes process development and improvement projects from conception to completion
- Supports transition of new products from prototype to volume production utilizing Lean practices, DFSS, and DFM
- Supports manufacturing of released processes and products including documenting work instructions and critical processes, and support training of personnel
- Evaluation, procurement, and qualification of new manufacturing equipment and tools
- Identification of recent external advancements in appropriate technical fields and qualifies these into production as capable processes
- Direc ts daily activities of Engineers and Engineering Technicians
- Summarize and present results in internal and external forums. Prepare written reports and technical documents
- Partner with operations and equipment engineering support to resolve manufacturing challenges in order to meet output and yield requirements
- Supports manufacturing and engineering both at Camas site and overseas high volume production
- Post-Graduate Degree in engineering (Optical, Electrical, Physics, Mechanical, Chemical) and 10+ years of industrial experience in closely related technologies, or equivalent combination of education (Bachelors Degree) and exceptional industrial experience
- Extensive experience in process or product development, covering technology areas such as lasers, opto-mechanical integration or complex power electronics
- Systems Engineering skills with strong expertise in process and quality control methods and a detailed understanding of statistical process control techniques and process capability
- Experience with setting up early prototyping and testing and new product lines and transitioning early products into volume production
- Strong record of problem solving through structured methodologies and implementing and sustaining robust processes and systems
- Situational leadership skills and ability to work with cross functional & multi-site teams effectively. Ability to drive consensus and deliver results in a faced paced environment
- Hands-on working experience with optical fibers, lasers, optics, electronics and precision mechanical systems and required tools.
- Experience with assembly processes including use of tools, complex test equipment, adhesives, electrical power and cooling systems highly desired
- Working knowledge of manufacturing financial metrics and understanding of key drivers of cost
- Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor team members supporting their career development.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, energetic and self-starter
- Proven success in leading teams and solving complex technical problems
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments
- Outstanding communication skills both written and verbal
- Leadership experience in a high volume manufacturing environment, including managing engineering teams
- ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt
- Master's and/or PhD
- Knowledge and understanding of optical fibers, fiber assemblies and termination, optics, test margins, laser diodes and a variety of metrology/characterization/failure analysis techniques.
- Experience with JMP, SQL, LabView, MATLAB, PowerBI, etc.
- 10+ years of recent experience in process or product development of lasers, electronics, systems engineering and yield improvements or related discipline.
- Senior Process Engineer: $100,000 - $125,000 annually
- Target Cash Bonus of 6% of earned wages
- 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 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 employees Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information, please review the following notices:
- E-Verify Participation Poster
- Right to Work Poster
Job ID: 508704129
Originally Posted on: 2/3/2026