nLIGHT
Mechanical Quality Inspector
TLDR
Quality Inspectors ensure that mechanical components for high energy laser systems meet rigorous standards for defense applications, driving excellence in quality and compliance.
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience working with opto-mechanical systems for aerospace or defense.
Minimum Education: H.S. Diploma or GED required; Associate degree or Technical Certification is a plus
Compensation: $30.00 - $44.00/hour depending upon education, skills, and 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:
Quality Inspectors at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. ensure that every mechanical component supporting our high energy laser (HEL) systems meets the rigorous standards required for mission critical defense applications. Our teams work with advanced carbon fiber structures, precision machined parts, and sheet metal assemblies that must perform reliably in challenging operational environments. We rely on disciplined, detail driven inspectors who can interpret complex engineering requirements, validate supplier quality, and uphold the traceability and compliance standards essential to HEL system integration. We need motivated Quality Inspectors who are excited to contribute to cutting-edge HEL solutions and ensure excellence from the moment parts arrive at our facility.
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:
- Perform receiving, in process, and final inspections, with a primary focus on incoming inspection of mechanical parts.
- Use precision measurement tools to verify drawing requirements are met for completed parts. Assist engineers with dispositioning parts.
- Support part serialization and maintain traceability throughout the inspection workflow. Identify and document nonconforming material; assist with NCMR initiation, segregation, and communication with internal teams.
- Follow ISOcertified cleanroom and ITAR compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues and improve incoming part consistency.
- Effectively manage schedule and priorities with moderate daily direction to meet schedule objectives.
Required Experience / Capability:
- Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
- Minimum 5 years of mechanical inspection experience in manufacturing, aerospace, or defense.
- Strong ability to read engineering drawings and interpret GD&T.
- Handson experience with precision measurement tools including CMM.
- Familiarity working in an ISOcertified cleanroom environment.
- Experience performing receiving inspection for machined and welded parts.
- Understanding of ISO 9001 practices and documentation requirements.
- Must be a U.S. Person in accordance with ITAR.
- Functional use and knowledge of Microsoft Office suite tools, particularly PowerPoint and Excel.
Additional Desired Experience / Capability:
- Exposure to inspection of optical components
- Background supporting NCMR and MRB processes.
- Experience in defense, high energy laser systems, or other highly regulated industries.
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
Health Insurance
Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
Other Benefit
Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Family Leave
Paid Time Off
4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
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.
Quality Inspector