nLIGHT Corp

Mission Readiness Engineer

nLIGHT Corp$120K — $160K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience in a technical field, preferably engineering or science
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical field
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance, with preference for existing clearance
  • Strong technical writing skills for training materials and operational documentation
  • Experience with hardware and software systems, especially in robotics or military applications
  • Commitment to excellence with attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure
  • Physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in diverse conditions

Responsibilities

  • Conduct field testing to validate the HADES system's performance and readiness
  • Define operational readiness criteria and identify risks prior to deployment
  • Support field evaluations and customer exercises in real-world environments
  • Develop training programs and documentation for effective system operation
  • Act as primary liaison between users and engineering teams to enhance customer relationships
  • Translate operational observations into actionable product requirements
  • Build processes linking testing, training, deployment, and feedback for continuous improvement

Benefits

  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 11 paid Holidays
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Full health, vision, and dental care coverage paid for employee, with 75% for dependents
  • Comprehensive paid family leave and short/long term disability
  • Competitive 401k plan with company match and immediate vesting
Full Job Description
Description

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)

Experience: 3+ years of experience

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical field.

Compensation: $120,000 - $160,000 depending on experience.

Travel: Project/Program-based travel required; estimated at 50%

Summary:

Mission Readiness Engineers play a critical role in ensuring that the HADES Directed Energy System's customer-facing features consistently showcase its capabilities. They stay informed about the latest operational advancements, maintain and update training materials, and strive for operator excellence as both skilled users and effective trainers. MR Engineers are expected to master the system, setting the standard for user expertise.

As field testers, Mission Readiness Engineers collaborate closely with developers, contributing to rapid system improvements and ensuring reliable performance in real-world scenarios. They lead customer training sessions, equip users with practical skills to operate laser systems, and gather feedback during training and field operations to inform product enhancements. Additionally, Mission Readiness Engineers are responsible for maintaining comprehensive training materials, developing maintenance manuals, and creating strategies for successfully deploying laser weapons to the warfighter.

Success in this position is demonstrated by the ability to efficiently train users, deliver actionable feedback to improve the HADES product line, and actively support both field and laboratory testing. If you're passionate about advancing cutting-edge technology and sharing its benefits, this role is an excellent opportunity.

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://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/. Please review this information before applying.

Responsibilities:

Operations
  • Conduct field testing to validate system performance and readiness.
  • Define and refine operational readiness criteria, identifying risks before deployment.
  • Support field evaluations and customer exercises in real operational environments.

Training
  • Develop training programs and documentation that enable confident system operation and sustainment.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between users and engineering teams, strengthening customer relationships.
  • Provide operational troubleshooting, customer support, and mission execution for fielded systems.

Evaluation
  • Translate operational observations into actionable product requirements and partner with Technical Operations to mature capabilities.
  • Build repeatable processes linking testing, training, deployment, and customer feedback into a continuous improvement cycle.

Required Experience Capability:
  • Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and strong working relationships under pressure.
  • Ability to execute work with minimal oversight, meeting mid- to long-term program milestones.
  • Ability to execute pre-planned field testing in representative environments.
  • Experience working with hardware and software systems such as robotics.
  • Strong technical writing skills, including development of training materials, operational procedures, test plans, and/or after-action reports.
  • Ability to build trusted relationships with military operators, government customers, and cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to work within multi-disciplinary technical teams.
  • Ability to translate operational observations and customer feedback into actionable product improvements and system requirements.
  • Physical fitness and ability to work outdoors and potentially adverse weather conditions.

Desired Experiences:
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver technical training, operational instruction, and user enablement programs.
  • Experience supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs, military operations, or defense acquisition activities.
  • Experience developing and delivering technical and operational training programs.
  • Experience with prototype or developmental systems, operational test, or field experimentation activities.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, drone(s) piloting experience, Mission Planner
  • Military service or direct experience supporting military operations.

Benefits Summary:
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 11 paid Holidays
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for
  • Employee and 75% for Dependents
  • Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
  • Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting


About nLIGHT Corp

nLight is an American laser company founded in 2000 by Scott Keeney. The company is privately held and funded by venture capital firms. It has headquarters in Vancouver, Washington, and operations in Shanghai, Hillsboro, Oregon, and Lohja, Finland. nLight specializes in diode laser components and systems, fiber laser components and systems, and optical fibers. Their key markets include materials processing, consumer electronics, and medical and military applications. nLight was founded in 2000 during the telecom boom. Since its inception, nLight has grown to more than four hundred employees worldwide and has won numerous awards.[citation needed] In 2005, nLight created nConnect, an independent 501(c)(3) entity with a mission to increase student interest and achievement in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) by connecting schools to business.
Learn more about nLIGHT Corp
Size
1,300 employees
Market Cap
$440.5 million
Industry
Net Income
-$20.9 million
Founded
2000
5 Year Trend
+21.7%
Revenue
$222.7 million
NASDAQ

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