Talent.com
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense
Principal Mechanical Engineer - DefenseNLIGHT • Camas, Washington
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense

NLIGHT • Camas, Washington
30+ days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
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).Position SummarynLIGHT is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy laser systems. This role requires deep expertise in opto-mechanical design and system-level thinking, with responsibility for mechanical architecture, design trade studies, and technical execution across complex programs. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work closely with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering leaders and will help guide mechanical design strategy for laser amplifier subsystems.Key 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
Required Qualifications
  • 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 Experience
  • 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
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Principal Mechanical Engineer: $125,000 - $165,000 annually
Other Compensation and 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
Create a job alert for this search

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense • Camas, Washington

Similar jobs

Locum Physician (MD/DO) - Family Practice in Sandy, OR

LocumJobsOnlineSandy, OR, US
Full-time

Doctor of Medicine | Family Practice.Weatherby Healthcare .Competitive weekly pay (inquire for details) .LocumJobsOnline is working with Weatherby Healthcare to find a qualified Family Practice MD ...Show more

 • Promoted

CDL-A Flatbed Lease Purchase Driver - $1.25 to $2.00 per mile in Damascus, OR

AllTruckJobsDamascus, OR, US
Full-time

CALL TO SPEAK WITH A SEATING SPECIALIST TODAY! .Come experience the many reasons why Western Express is the best place to live those dreams! This.Western Express is now offering a wide variety of n...Show more

 • Promoted

Final Mile Delivery & Installation

RyderSandy, OR, US
Full-time

Ryder Last Mile is looking to add to our expansive final mile delivery carrier network.We are looking for carriers that are interested in contracting to deliver and install furniture.Competitive Co...Show more

 • Promoted

CDL-A Flatbed Lease Purchase Driver - $1.25 to $2.00 per mile in Boring, OR

AllTruckJobsBoring, OR, US
Full-time

CALL TO SPEAK WITH A SEATING SPECIALIST TODAY! .Come experience the many reasons why Western Express is the best place to live those dreams! This.Western Express is now offering a wide variety of n...Show more

 • Promoted

Physician (MD/DO) - Family Practice in Sandy, OR

LocumJobsOnlineSandy, OR, US
Full-time +1

Doctor of Medicine | Family Practice.Competitive weekly pay (inquire for details) .LocumJobsOnline is working with CompHealth to find a qualified Family Practice MD in Sandy, Oregon, 97055!.Come pr...Show more

 • Promoted

CDL A Truck Driver Portland, OR

GT ExpeditedYacolt, WA, US
Full-time +1

GT Expedited | Portland, OR | 60-Mile Radius.GT Expedited is hiring a CDL A truck driver in the Portland, OR area.Must reside within 60 miles of Portland, OR.Ability to pass DOT physical and drug s...Show more

 • Promoted

Internal Medicine Advanced Practice Clinician Hybrid Role

Vancouver Clinic, Inc.Gresham, OR, US
Full-time

Were looking for Advanced Practice Clinicians (NP or PA-C) to join our Internal Medicine Department.This position allows for flexibility in the work schedule and supports our Oregon based clinician...Show more

 • Promoted

Robotics Maintenance Technician

JLLGresham, OR, OR, United States
Full-time

This job is with JLL, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.Please do not contact the recruiter directly.JLL empowers you to ...Show more

 • Promoted

Fleet Mechanic

US Foods, Inc.Colton, Oregon, US
Full-time

Tool allowance included to support your trade.For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.Our Diesel Mechanics start at $32.K w...Show more

 • Promoted • New!

Senior Platform Engineer

Fisher InvestmentsCamas, WA, United States
Full-time

This job is with Fisher Investments, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.Please do not contact the recruiter directly.It's ...Show more

 • Promoted

Equipment Engineer

Sigma DesignGresham, OR, US
Full-time
Quick Apply

Equipment Engineer (Direct Placement for Client) Sigma Design has collaborated with a global company seeking an experienced Equipment Engineer to join their facility in Gresham, OR.This company is ...Show more

Diagnostic Automotive Mechanic

CarvanaWood Village, OR
Full-time
Quick Apply

We’re looking for automotive mechanics with a minimum of 3 years of professional automotive repair experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.As an Experie...Show more

Stay At Home With Your Kids And Earn Like You Work Full Time

My Donor ConnectionYacolt, WA, US
Full-time +1

We are looking for extraordinary women who feel called to help bring a family to life.As a gestational carrier with My Donor Connection, you will walk alongside intended parents who have prayed, ho...Show more

 • Promoted

Remote Macroeconomic Modeling Specialist (EViews)

Micro1Damascus, Oregon, US
Remote
Full-time

Macroeconomic Modeling Specialist (EViews).AI labs train foundational models and enterprises build AI agents.We provide frontier evaluations and reinforcement learning environments used to improve ...Show more

 • Promoted

Marine Interdiction Agent

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionAmboy, WA, US
Full-time

NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES!.Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those with Merchant Mariner Credentials the exceptional opport...Show more

 • Promoted

Medical Assistant

US NavyBoring, OR, US
Full-time

Medical Assistant/Technician (Hospital Corpsman).Hospital Corpsmen assist healthcare professionals and provide medical and dental care to Sailors, Marines, and their families across clinics, hospit...Show more

 • Promoted • New!

Quality Engineer

AGC Heat Transfer, IncFairview, OR, US
Full-time
Quick Apply

Quality Engineer Reports To: Director of Research & Development FLSA Statu...Show more

PDR Tech (2nd Shift)

CarvanaWood Village, OR
Full-time
Quick Apply

We’re looking for Paintless Dent Repair Technicians with a minimum of 3 years of professional automotive PDR experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used au...Show more