Manager, Mechanical Engineering
Description
Position: Manager, Mechanical Engineering
Experience: A minimum of 8+ years of experience.
Minimum Education: BS or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or in related field.
Location: Longmont, CO
Compensation Range: $140,000-$190,000 depending upon education, skills, and experience.
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.
Our Mechanical Engineering team at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. synchronizes all mechanical, thermal, and packaging aspects of design and integration for complex High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in challenging environments. We utilize analysis driven design and implement elegant athermalized and vibration-rugged solutions. We are looking to add a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a team of motivated Mechanical Engineers that are excited about integrating HEL weapon systems and being part of that solution.
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:
- Lead the team in the design, analysis, and assembly of mechanical systems from concept through final design and integration.
- Oversee procurement and assembly of engineering builds, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
- Provide mentorship and leadership to team members, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing.
- Manage the mechanical engineering team, ensuring alignment with project goals and schedules.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.
Required Experience / Capability:
- Commitment to excellence and attention to detail.
- Pride in workmanship and delivering high-quality results.
- Minimum of 8+ years of experience in complex mechanical system design and integration.
- Minimum of 2+ years of experience managing dynamic and collaborative mechanical engineering teams.
- Ability to adapt to frequently changing requirements and develop rapid-turn solutions.
- Proficiency in project management software such as GitLab, Jira, or similar.
- Expertise in system-level trade studies and documenting engineering decisions.
- Strong leadership in developing and guiding the creation of design solutions based on requirements and stakeholder inputs, ensuring alignment with project goals and strategic vision.
- Experience breaking down large-scale system designs and delegating tasks to a diverse team.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks and ability to perform hand calculations to verify design requirements
- Strong troubleshooting skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience in fabrication and assembly drawing preparation for manufacturing (ISO and ANSI standards), including version control and change record documentation.
- Expertise in design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA), with knowledge of various manufacturing techniques (machining, sheet metal, injection molding, etc.)
Additional Desired Experience / Capability: (examples below)
- Supervisory and/or management experience in an engineering environment.
- Experience in rugged design for optical systems, including kinematic, flexure mounting, and adhesive mounting.
- Familiarity with electro-optical systems implementation and optical system alignment/test methods.
- Experience in opto-mechanical assembly, including component inspection, dry-assembly, and bonding.
- Proficiency in thermal management systems and STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
- Expertise in vibration test, analysis, and isolation methods, particularly jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems.
- Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and modeling of vibration and thermal effects, including static structure, fatigue, random vibration, and modal analysis.
- Proficiency in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
- Familiarity with MATLAB and LabVIEW.
- Experience with Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems.
- Exposure to MIL-STD-810 design and/or testing.
- Experience operating machining, welding, or fabrication equipment.
Benefits Summary: Health (ACA Gold Plan), Dental and Vison Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents. Company paid Life Insurance and Short and Long Term Disability. Competitive 401k with immediate vesting of company contribution. Approx. 3 weeks Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays.
nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.