Talent.com
Optical Engineer - High Power Fiber Amplifiers

Optical Engineer - High Power Fiber Amplifiers

NLIGHTCamas, Washington
job_description.job_card.30_days_ago
serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type
  • serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
job_description.job_card.job_description

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 in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ : LASR). S ummary  We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems through the full product lifecycle. This role focuses on the transition of high-power fiber laser systems from development into production, with a strong emphasis on manufacturing readiness, quality oversight of non-compliant builds, and product-level process improvements. A solid understanding of optical systems is important, but deep laser design expertise is not required. Key Responsibilities :

  • Own product health for released fiber laser platforms : monitor yield, reliability, and field returns (RMA).
  • Lead root cause investigations and coordinate rework plans for non-compliant material (NCM) and RMAs; partner with Quality and Process Engineering to implement fixes.
  • Support laser system integration and performance validation in development builds.
  • Define and oversee product-level stress screening requirements (e.g., thermal, vibration, burn-in) in coordination with test and reliability teams to ensure early detection of latent defects.
  • Collaborate with R&D on design improvements and ensure manufacturability of new features.
  • Review production data and feedback to identify trends and suggest design or process changes.
  • Maintain working knowledge of system architecture, performance specifications, and the parameters most critical to quality and reliability.
  • Assist in defining qualification plans, product specs, and DFX reviews for NPI efforts.
  • Interface with Supply Chain to troubleshoot material issues and support cost reduction initiatives.
  • Communicate technical updates to cross-functional teams, including Operations, QA, and Sales.

Required Qualifications :

  • BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 3–7 years of experience in product engineering, manufacturing engineering, or NPI roles supporting complex systems (e.g., lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware).
  • Experience with production ramp support, failure analysis, and managing RMAs / NCMs.
  • Practical experience with NPI or sustaining engineering support in a production setting.
  • Familiarity with root cause analysis tools and methods (e.g., 8D, Fishbone / Ishikawa, FMEA).
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with evolving requirements.
  • Effective communicator across technical and non-technical teams.

    • Preferred Skills :

  • Experience with high-power lasers for defense or aerospace applications.
  • Familiarity with SolidWorks, ERP systems, and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL).
  • Working knowledge of reliability engineering, laser safety standards, and test automation.

    • nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS : Starting pay depends on qualifications :

  • Optical Engineer I : $81,000 - $98,000
  • Optical Engineer II : $90,000 - $115,000
  • Senior Optical Engineer : $103,000 - $140,000

    • Other Compensation and Benefits

  • Target Cash Bonus of 5% 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
    • serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

    Optical Engineer - High Power Fiber Amplifiers • Camas, Washington