nLIGHT Careers

Who We Are 

At nLIGHT, we are constantly extending the cutting-edge of laser technology in multiple dynamic and growing markets. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.  

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR). 

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Supply Chain Compliance leads government procurement and subcontracting compliance across nLIGHT's Pacific Northwest and Longmont, Colorado facilities. The role manages the compliance team and purchasing policies, procedures, training, and audits to meet FAR, DFARS, CAS, ITAR, EAR, and customer requirements, partnering with site supply chain leaders, Contracts, Finance, Legal, Trade Compliance, Quality, and Programs. The role serves as the primary DCMA/DCAA supply chain interface, leads Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) readiness and corrective actions, and supports agency audits, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliance, and related government business system reviews.

Key Responsibilities

• Compliance Leadership & Governance

• Establishes and leads nLIGHT's enterprise supply chain compliance program for government contract procurement across all Pacific Northwest and Longmont sites.
• Executes compliance activities initially, then hires and develops a team with defined roles, priorities, and performance expectations as the function grows.
• Advises the VP, Supply Chain and site leaders on government procurement regulations, compliance risks, and audit readiness.
• Defines and reports compliance metrics, risk indicators, and audit status to executive leadership.
• Monitors regulatory changes, including FAR and DFARS updates, class deviations, and new DoD supply chain requirements, and drives timely implementation.

• Policies, Procedures & Training

• Develops, standardizes, and maintains supply chain policies, procedures, and work instructions (command media) that meet the 24 DFARS 252.244-7001 purchasing system criteria.
• Implements consistent procurement and subcontract workflows across sites for source selection, price reasonableness, file documentation, and approvals.
• Develops and manages government procurement training for buyers, subcontracts staff, and planners, including onboarding, annual refreshers, and role-based certification.
• Maintains delegation of authority and procurement approval thresholds in partnership with Finance.

• Internal Audit & Self-Governance

• Designs and executes a risk-based internal audit program of purchase orders and subcontract files against CPSR criteria and nLIGHT procedures.
• Assesses overall purchasing system health and readiness through periodic self-assessments and mock CPSRs.
• Tracks internal and government audit findings, root causes, and corrective actions through verified closure.
• Translates audit findings and trends into process improvements, targeted training, and system controls.

• Government Audit Support (DCMA, DCAA, CPSR, CAS)

• Leads supply chain engagement with DCMA and DCAA for CPSRs, other purchasing system reviews, and related data requests.
• Leads preparation for CPSRs, including universe data pulls, sample file readiness, interviews, and briefings.
• Develops corrective action plans and formal responses to DCMA and DCAA findings.
• Supports CAS compliance, disclosure statement, and incurred cost or forward pricing reviews as they relate to material and subcontract costs.
• Supports DCAA audits of material and subcontract costs in proposals, including cost or price analysis documentation and subcontractor assist audits.
• Supports customer and prime contractor audits of nLIGHT's procurement practices.

• Government Business Systems Support

• Aligns supply chain processes with government business system requirements for accounting, estimating, material management and accounting (MMAS), property management, and earned value management.
• Partners with Finance and Contracts on DFARS business systems compliance and any resulting withholds or significant deficiencies.
• Manages supply chain support for government property, including property-related flowdowns and oversight of subcontractor-held property.
• Partners with IT on ERP and procurement system controls, data integrity, and reporting that support audit needs.

• Flowdowns, Supplier Compliance & Risk

• Maintains the enterprise flowdown matrix and verifies accurate application of FAR, DFARS, and customer clauses to suppliers.
• Oversees supplier compliance programs, including cybersecurity (DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC), counterfeit parts prevention, specialty metals, Buy American and domestic preference, Section 889, and conflict minerals.
• Oversees commercial item determinations, consent-to-subcontract, and TINA thresholds and documentation.
• Oversees small business subcontracting plan compliance and reporting (ISR/SSR in eSRS) where applicable.
• Partners with Trade Compliance on ITAR and EAR requirements in procurement.
• Coordinates with Legal and Ethics on procurement integrity, conflicts of interest, and mandatory disclosure matters.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in Business, Supply Chain Management, Contracts Management, Accounting, Finance, or a related field plus 12+ years in government contracts, procurement, subcontracts, or compliance; or a Master's plus 10+ years.
• 8+ years supporting aerospace and defense or other government-funded programs under FAR/DFARS procurement requirements.
• 5+ years leading direct reports and cross-functional or multi-site teams, with talent development, executive communication, and influence to standardize processes across sites.
• Direct DCMA Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) preparation and support experience, including corrective action plans; DCAA audit support for material and subcontract costs.
• Integrity, sound judgment, risk and process discipline, and results-driven change leadership.
• Working knowledge of supply chain-related Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and DFARS business systems requirements.
• Experience writing procurement policies and procedures, developing training, and designing and running internal audit or self-governance programs for procurement files.
• Expert knowledge of FAR, DFARS, TINA, commercial item rules, and supplier flowdown requirements.
• Working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, CMMC, and NIST SP 800-171 supplier requirements.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience building compliance metrics and dashboards from ERP data.
• Ability to travel to Longmont and other nLIGHT sites, approximately 20%.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred: Master's degree, MBA, or JD.
• Certifications such as NCMA CPCM or CFCM, CPSM, CIA, or CFE.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Background in leading a company through an initial CPSR or recovering from purchasing system disapproval.
• Background in supply chain compliance at a prime contractor or major defense subcontractor.
• Background in building a compliance function in a growing, mid-sized defense company as a hands-on contributor.
• Practical experience with MMAS, government property, and EVMS as they relate to supply chain.
• Background in small business subcontracting plans and eSRS reporting.
• Background in photonics, electronics, or advanced manufacturing supply chains.

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  

Starting pay depends on qualifications: 

Manager: $95,000 - $140,000 annually

Sr Manager:  $120,000 - $150,000 annually 

Other Compensation and Benefits  

• Target Cash Bonus of 6% of earned wages, depending on level
• Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants 
• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year 
• 11 paid Holidays 
• Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date 
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period 
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts 
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting 
• Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance 
• Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty 
• Tuition Assistance Program 
• Pet Insurance  

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).  

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 [email protected]. 

E-Verify Participation: 
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. 

For more information, please review the following notices: 

•              E-Verify Participation Poster 

•              Right to Work Poster