nLIGHT
Systems Engineer
TLDR
Lead MBSE-driven systems engineering for High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon and beam control projects, guiding model direction and cross-functional integration across the lifecycle.
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: minimum 3+ years of experience in Systems Engineering
Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Compensation: $100,000-$130,000 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:
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Systems Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be a broad systems thinker with the ability to apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles as needed. Experience working within a structured team environment and implementing best practices aligned with relevant systems engineering standards is desired. This role will involve helping to guide our team’s system model direction and ensuring effective integration with software, firmware, and other engineering disciplines. The candidate will provide Systems Engineering support across the project lifecycle for High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon Systems and/or HEL Beam Control System (BCS) applications.
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:
- Define and manage formal requirements through the project lifecycle. Including track Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and associated allocations.
- Utilize Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to develop and manage an integrated data-driven model consisting of requirements, interfaces, test data, simulation tools, and other technical information.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software and firmware, to integrate system models and ensure coherent system development.
- Provide guidance on systems engineering best practices and tools to the team.
- Develop and deliver technical documentation, including requirements specifications, design descriptions, and validation plans.
- Responsible for development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) by combining inputs from multiple engineering disciplines.
- Responsible for development and integration of artifacts for formal DoD acquisition design reviews (CDR, SRR, PDR, IBR, etc.).
- Continuously improve processes and tools related to systems engineering and MBSE.
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.
- 3+ years of experience in systems engineering with exposure to MBSE.
- Excels in individual and collaborative work assignments, with focus on promoting collaborative work environment.
- Experience or strong interest in software development and the ability to effectively interface with software/firmware engineering teams.
- 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.
- Experience in MATLAB or other software development tools (C, C++, C#, Java)
- Experience in System Engineering tools: Cameo Systems Modeler or similar.
- Develop and track modeling and allocations for Technical Performance Measurements.
- Desired experience with DoDAF or other architecture framework.
- Technical report writing – good technical writing skills are critical)
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
Additional Desired Experience / Capability:
- Experience in development and delivery of electro-optical systems, preferably High Energy Laser systems and/or High Energy Laser Beam Control Systems.
- Experience in task management and software development processes using tools such as Agile and/or GitLab.
- Experience in specification and evaluation of requirements for laser and electro-optical systems, in particular for high power applications.
- Advanced MATLAB or software development experience.
- Command and data communication experience.
- Firmware definition and implementation experience.
- Configuration Management for laser and electro-optical systems, in particular for high power applications.
- Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems. System Test and Evaluation and validation of modeling tools against measurements.
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.
Systems Engineer