nLIGHT
Harness Design Engineer
TLDR
Design and document rugged electrical harnesses for advanced laser and electro-optical systems, ensuring signal integrity and MIL-STD compliance across disciplines.
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 5+ years of experience in electrical harness design.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering.
Compensation: $100,000-$160,000 depending on experience.
Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities – from semiconductor device through target identification – 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. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary:
As a Harness Design Engineer, you’ll be responsible for designing, documenting, and supporting the integration of electrical harnesses for advanced laser and electro-optical systems. You’ll collaborate across disciplines to ensure signal integrity, power delivery, and compliance with military standards.
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:
- Design and document cable harnesses for power, data, and control systems using Altium Designer
- Select and specify MIL-STD connectors, backshells, and cable types for rugged defense applications
- Develop detailed wiring diagrams, schematics, and cable assembly drawings
- Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure harnesses meet space, thermal, and EMI constraints
- Support build and test of harnesses, including continuity checks, shielding verification, and connector torque specs
- Maintain configuration control and revision tracking for harness documentation
- Assist in troubleshooting harness-related issues during integration and testing
- Ensure compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 and MIL-STD cable build practices
Required Experience / Capability:
- Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality documentation
- Proficiency in Altium Designer and Harness Designer for schematic and harness layout
- Experience designing cable assemblies for aerospace or defense applications
- Familiarity with MIL-DTL-38999, MIL-DTL-5015, and other military-grade connectors
- Working knowledge of EMI/EMC mitigation strategies and shielding techniques
- Understanding of grounding, bonding, and cable routing best practices
- Ability to interpret and apply IPC/MIL-STD standards for cable design and fabrication
- Effective communication and collaboration skills across engineering disciplines
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Exposure to PCB design and integration
- Experience with fiber optic cable design and MTP/LC connectors
- Familiarity with NFPA 70 electrical standards
- Understanding of compliance testing for EMC and environmental standards (MIL-STD-461, UL, CE)
- Basic programming knowledge (Python, C/C++) for test automation or documentation tools
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 HR@nlightdefense.com.
Benefits
Education Stipend
Tuition Assistance Program
Equity Compensation
Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting
Health Insurance
Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
Paid Time Off
11 paid Holidays
Stock Options
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
nLIGHT is a premier provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers, catering to industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications. We specialize in cutting-edge laser technology and are also a leader in developing Directed Energy systems for the Department of Defense, delivering high-performance solutions in a rapidly growing market.
Design Engineer