Senior Equipment Engineer at nLIGHT in Camas, WA

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 made.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

Location

• Camas
• Ability to travel up to 10%. SummaryThe Senior Equipment Engineer provides technical leadership and lifecycle ownership for equipment supporting high-volume laser production. This role drives equipment reliability, qualification, maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and continuous improvement while partnering with Manufacturing, Process, Quality, Facilities, EHS, automation, customers, and suppliers. The position also leads complex root-cause investigations, ensures compliance with safety and quality requirements, mentors technical personnel, and supports production objectives across multiple shifts.

Responsibilities

• Manages the equipment lifecycle for nLIGHT-built and procured equipment, including spare-parts strategies and obsolescence planning.
• Partners with customers on contract manufacturing lines to install, qualify, and maintain customer-owned equipment in accordance with contract requirements, including service and spare-parts strategies.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to improve nLIGHT’s business systems related to equipment management, including compliance, calibration, repairs, and ticketing systems.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with key equipment suppliers.
• Collaborates with project teams to qualify new equipment and place it into service.
• Responds to production escalations, including defined after-hours or on-call expectations.
• Leads complex troubleshooting and root-cause investigations using methods such as 8D, DMAIC, fault-tree analysis, or FMEA.
• Develops preventive and predictive maintenance plans and improves equipment reliability.
• Writes and maintains equipment specifications, qualification protocols, acceptance criteria, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Partners with Manufacturing, Process, Quality, Facilities, EHS, IT/automation, and technicians.
• Ensures equipment meets applicable safety, regulatory, calibration, quality-system, and change-control requirements.
• Leads equipment installation, factory and site acceptance testing, commissioning, validation, and handoff to production.
• Manages equipment upgrades, retrofits, automation, controls, and continuous-improvement projects.
• Mentors junior engineers and technicians and provides technical leadership across shifts.
• Manages vendors, service contracts, quotations, scope, schedule, budget, and installation performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related field, plus five years of experience supporting high-volume, multi-shift production lines; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with optical metrology, optical benches, and/or electrical test stations.
• Understanding of measurement systems analysis and gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R).
• Detailed understanding of equipment metrics and practices, including uptime, calibration, preventive maintenance, spare-parts management, obsolescence planning, risk management, and strategies for tools that represent a single point of failure.
• Demonstrated project ownership and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Strong record of problem-solving and data analysis using structured methodologies.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings, with knowledge of basic tooling and fixture design.
• Experience with data analysis and experimental design.
• Experience with PLCs, motion control, machine vision, robotics, data acquisition, or equipment software/interfaces.
• Familiarity with CAPA, 8D, Lean, and Six Sigma tools.
• Ability to interpret specifications, drawings, schematics, P&IDs, and control-system documentation.
• Ability to learn quickly and take on new projects and issues to support production.
• Ability to adapt and use limited resources effectively to achieve results and meet schedules.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in electrical engineering, materials science, optics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Six or more years of experience in precision optics assembly and testing.
• Knowledge of optical fibers, fiber assemblies, optics, laser diodes, testing, especially data analysis, and a variety of metrology, characterization, and failure-analysis tools.
• Experience with the following processes and equipment is preferred: optical test benches; die attach and bonding; wire and ribbon bonding; vacuum solder-reflow ovens; optical fiber alignment; hermetic seam sealing; solder and epoxies; and electro-optical, electro-pneumatic, and fluid-cooling systems. Physical and Work Environment Requirement
• Work is performed in office, laboratory, cleanroom, and manufacturing environments and requires regular interaction with production equipment and personnel.
• Ability to move throughout manufacturing areas and perform work while standing, walking, bending, reaching, crouching, or working in confined equipment areas.
• Ability to use a computer and hand tools and to perform close visual inspection and detailed technical work for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds independently and heavier equipment components with appropriate assistance or lifting devices.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and cleanroom attire, and to follow applicable laser, electrical, chemical, lockout/tagout, and equipment-safety procedures.
• May be exposed to moderate noise, moving mechanical parts, electrical systems, lasers, chemicals, compressed gases, and temperature variations within controlled operational limits.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Starting salary level is based on qualifications:

• Equipment Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000
• Senior Equipment Engineer: $103,000 - $130,000 annually

Other Compensation and Benefits

• Target Cash Bonus of 5% to 6% of earned wages, depending on level
• 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

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).

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 (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net.

E-Verify Participation: nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

For more information, please review the following notices:

• E-Verify Participation Poster

• Right to Work Poster