nLIGHT, Inc. · 19 hours ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense
Camas, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$125K/yr - $165K/yr
10+ years expnLIGHT, Inc. is a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for various applications. They are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy systems, focusing on opto-mechanical design and system-level thinking.
ElectronicsLaserManufacturingSemiconductor
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
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
Company
nLIGHT, Inc.
nLIGHT, Inc. is a leading provider of high-power lasers for mission critical directed energy, optical sensing, and advanced manufacturing applications.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$207.11MKey Investors
Mohr Davidow Ventures
2018-04-25IPO
2017-05-10Series G· $25.78M
2016-01-26Series Unknown· $35.83M
Leadership Team
Scott Keeney
CEO
Robert Martinsen
CTO
Recent News
2026-01-15
2026-01-06
MarketScreener
2026-01-06
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