nLIGHT Corp

Process Engineering Manager

nLIGHT Corp$130K — $180K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of process development leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or high-power optics.
  • Bachelor's or Master's in Systems Engineering, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred.
  • Proficiency in DFM and DFSS for transitioning R&D to production.
  • Experience with process control methodologies including SPC and MSA.

Responsibilities

  • Drive the complete process engineering strategy for scalable and high-performance manufacturing.
  • Lead initiatives in DFM/DFA and DFSS to enhance manufacturability and production yield.
  • Establish standards for problem-solving and process validation.
  • Make informed decisions balancing performance, cost, scheduling, and risk.
  • Build systems for predictable delivery and operational excellence.
  • Translate business goals into technical priorities and process plans.
  • Develop a high-performing team through coaching and management.

Benefits

  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off annually
  • 11 paid Holidays
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • 100% employer-paid Health, Vision, and Dental Care for employees; 75% for dependents
  • 100% employer-paid Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability
  • Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting
Full Job Description
Description

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)

Experience: 8+ years of experience in leading process development in aerospace, defense, or high-power optics.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Summary:

As a Process Engineering Manager, you are a technical leader responsible for the end-to-end process architecture of our complex systems. You will drive the implementation of advanced manufacturing strategies, ensuring that first-of-its-kind hardware is built with world-class precision. We are looking for a Black Belt who can solve yield issues, influence design through DFM, and provide the foundational leadership to build and manage the process engineering group.

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:
  • Own and drive the end-to-end process engineering strategy, ensuring scalable, high-performance product manufacturing.
  • Lead DFM/DFA and DFSS initiatives to optimize manufacturability, yield, and production readiness.
  • Establish and enforce standards for structured problem-solving, process control, MSA/GR&R, process validation, and equipment qualification & maintenance.
  • Make critical decisions balancing performance, cost, schedule, and risk; serve as the escalation point for complex challenges.
  • Build and implement execution systems and operating rhythms that enable predictable delivery and operational excellence.
  • Translate business and program goals into clear technical priorities and aligned process engineering plans.
  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team through coaching, mentorship, and strong performance management.
  • Drive accountability for results, including yield, quality, and production readiness, while proactively managing risks.
  • Partner cross-functionally with engineering, program management, operations, and leadership to ensure successful product realization.
  • Communicate technical concepts, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to both technical and executive audiences.


Required Experience / Capability:
  • Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
  • 8+ years of experience leading process development in aerospace, defense, or high-power optics.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred.
  • Proven track record of applying DFM/DFSS to move R&D hardware into stable production.
  • Practical expertise in process control (SPC or other), MSA, and Gage R&R.
  • Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and establish formal production rigor.


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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