Electro-Optical Engineer

Position: Electro-Optical Engineer

Experience: 3+ years of electro-optical experience

Minimum Education: BS or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field.

Location: Longmont, CO (Onsite)

Compensation Range: $90,000 to $160,000 depending on education, experience and skills.

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading developers of High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. HEL weapon systems are a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DS is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities – from semiconductor device through target identification and tracking – to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective. We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, is highly organized, self-motivated, enjoys working as a part of a team, and has an insatiable appetite to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment while continuously contributing to our mission.

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. We expect EO Engineers to not only problem-solve and align systems during a system integration but also to grow to coordinate execution of multi-disciplinary teams through GitLab-based planning tools. EO Engineers at our company learn a range of multi-disciplinary tools and techniques from opto-mechanical design and integration methods to software integration to data analysis. If you want a career progression opportunity from learning disciplined bench procedures, advancing to working as an integrated product team lead and ultimately a technical program manager and delivering complete EO systems to customers, then we are the right place for you. Our work can be difficult at times, but it is always entertaining, rewarding, and challenging.

Job Description: Design, Development, Integration, and Test for High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon System and/or HEL Beam Control System (BCS). Responsibilities include hardware integration and test as well as data processing and preparation of performance and test documentation. Responsible for development of test setups to evaluate performance parameters. Work with team to execute complex integration activities. Support field tests.

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: Please review this information before applying.

Required Experience / Capability:

Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.

Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure.

Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives.

Superior problem-solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources to reach a solution.

Installation, alignment, and integration of optics, electro-optics, & mechanics (combination of COTS & custom mechanics & optics). Competence in maintaining cleanliness standards and operation in a clean room environment.

Expertise and competence in working with laser and electro-optical systems.

Exhibit strong troubleshooting skills to solve complex and constrained opto-mechanical alignment problems (particularly for ruggedized systems) and familiarity with implementation of electro-optical systems.

Technical Report Writing (i.e. good technical writing and documentation skills are critical).

Additional Desired Experience / Capability:

Expertise and competence in working with high power laser systems.

Integration of auto-alignment algorithms and methods.

Integration for real-time control of electro-optical / mechanical components using LabVIEW, MATLAB, Firmware, and/or C/C++/C# (normally involving code re-use).

Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking.

Experience with MATLAB and/or C/C++/C# is beneficial.

Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems.

Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high power applications.

Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at .