Test Engineer

nLIGHT, Inc.
paid time off, paid holidays, long term disability, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Colorado, Longmont
Sep 12, 2025
Description Senior Test Engineer Experience: 10+ years of experience, including test of complex systems and DoD testing Education: Bachelors degree in Engineering, the Sciences, or related field required; graduate degree preferred Location:Longmont, CO Compensation:$120,000-$200,000 nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. HEL weapon systems are a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DS is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities - from semiconductor device through target identification and tracking - 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. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, is highly organized, self-motivated, enjoys working as a part of a team, and has an insatiable appetite to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment while continuously contributing to our mission. 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. Summary: In this role, the Senior Test Engineer leads testing of nLIGHT subsystems and systems at nLIGHT facilities or customer test ranges. The individual will leverage past experience and knowledge of nLIGHT's technology to develop test plans, ensure safe execution of tests, and ensure that relevant requirements are verified through test. The role requires effective communication skills in coordinating with nLIGHT's cross-functional team as well as customer test and safety representatives, attention to detail, ability to creatively problem solve, and individual initiative. The ideal candidate will have experience working with the DoD test community, understanding of test range safety and coordination, and experience testing high power lasers or other complex systems. Function/Responsibilities: Lead testing efforts at the subsystem and system level at both nLIGHT facilities and customer test ranges, ensuring safe and effective test activities Work with nLIGHT and customer safety teams to ensure safe operation of tests Work closely with Systems Engineering team to understand system requirements and ensure that test plans sufficiently verify those requirements Coordinate with nLIGHT cross-functional engineering teams to understand system configurations, required support equipment, etc. to plan effective tests Develop test plans and procedures that safely and effectively exercise required systems capability to verify relevant requirements Lead interactions with customer test teams to define test range setups, requirements, operational logistics, etc. Act as the main point of contact between nLIGHT and customer teams for all coordination at the test range Provide test-related insight early in the program lifecycle so that systems under development are designed and built in a manner that facilitates successful testing Develop internal documentation for test safety and execution best practices Qualifications: Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship. 10 years of relevant experience, including test of complex systems and DoD testing Bachelors degree in Engineering, the Sciences, or related field required; graduate degree preferred Experience working with directed energy systems development, test, and deployment Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time 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 (360) 566-4460 or[emailprotected].