Mechanical Engineer- Tooling

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

As a member of a newly established team supporting the HADES product line, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and production teams to develop innovative solutions that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and repeatability in the assembly and testing of complex electro-optical systems. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the successful production of cutting-edge defense technologies in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment.

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.

• →Collaborate within a multidisciplinary engineering and production environment to design, analyze, validate, and implement tooling and support equipment ranging from precision mechanical fixtures to electronic test stands and optical alignment systems.
• →Lead mechanical design efforts for multiple concurrent projects, balancing short-turnaround tooling needs with larger, long-term development initiatives.
• →Partner with Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Manufacturing, and Software Engineering teams to define requirements, evaluate design concepts, and ensure tooling solutions meet technical, schedule, and operational objectives.
• →Create detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and documentation packages that support fabrication, assembly, testing, and maintenance activities.
• →Perform engineering analyses, including tolerance studies, structural evaluations, and design verification activities, to ensure tooling meets performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
• →Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, ergonomics, and operational effectiveness through innovative tooling and process solutions.
• →Support the procurement, fabrication, assembly, and deployment of tooling and support equipment while coordinating with internal stakeholders and external vendors as required.
• →Provide technical support during integration, testing, and production activities, troubleshooting tooling-related issues and implementing corrective actions when necessary.

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship. 
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and pride in workmanship.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience designing and developing tooling, fixtures, or support equipment in an engineering, manufacturing, or production environment. Experience supporting low-volume, high-precision systems is preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, with SolidWorks preferred, and a thorough understanding of engineering drawing standards, tolerance analysis, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Working knowledge of material properties, manufacturing processes, machining methods, and fabrication techniques, with the ability to incorporate these considerations into practical design solutions.
• Understanding of precision weldments, structural fabrication methods, and associated manufacturing capabilities.
• Proficiency in engineering analysis techniques, including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to validate and optimize designs.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment where priorities, schedules, and requirements may evolve rapidly.
• Experience with pressure testing, fluid handling systems, or liquid-cooled systems is preferred.
• Experience with optical alignment methods and tooling is preferred.
• Experience designing equipment used for lifting, transporting, or positioning large and complex systems is preferred.