Process Engineer
nLIGHT · Longmont, CO
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Process
- Base pay
- $120k–$170k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt required
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level process role at nLIGHT (industrial) in Longmont, CO. Develop scalable manufacturing processes and documentation, working directly with design teams to ensure high-performance systems are optimized for repeatable builds.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required · Black Belt required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Green Belt, SPC, MSA / Gage R&R
- Base pay
- $120k–$170k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Process Engineer roles in Colorado: typical posted base $100k–$130k. This one lists $120k–$170k.
Median of the low and high ends of 8 live postings that list pay, out of 13 process engineer openings in Colorado, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Colorado plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 12 other live process postings in Colorado.
- Base pay
- About 33% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $95k–$123k, from 7 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 54%
- ✓ Lean 54%
- Root cause 54%
- New product launch 46%
- ✓ Six Sigma 38%
- ✓ Tooling 38%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Black Belt, SPC, MSA / Gage R&R, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at nLIGHT
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from nLIGHTAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
requirements
to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/ . Please review this information before applying.
Responsibilities
- ◆Develop scalable manufacturing processes and documentation, working directly with design teams to ensure high-performance systems are optimized for repeatable builds.
- ◆Lead DFM/DFA and DFSS initiatives to optimize manufacturability, yield, and production readiness.
- ◆Set the standard for company-wide process control (SPC or other) and MSA /GR&R protocols, ensuring all test and assembly equipment are fully qualified and capable.
- ◆Solve the integration challenges by applying structured problem-solving methodologies to R&D hardware.
- ◆Manage the lifecycle of specialized manufacturing tooling, including initial requirement definition to final qualification and ongoing calibration & maintenance.
Required Experience / Capability
- ✓Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
- ✓5+ years of experience in process development in aerospace, defense, or high-power optics.
- ✓Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred.
- ✓Proven track record of applying DFM/DFSS to move R&D hardware into stable production.
- ✓Practical expertise in process control (SPC or other) , MSA, and Gage R&R.
- ✓Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and establish formal production rigor.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 5+ years of experience in leading process development in aerospace, defense, or high-power optics.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
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
As a Process Engineer, you are a technical leader responsible for the end-to-end process architecture of our complex R&D systems. You will drive the implementation of advanced manufacturing strategies, ensuring that first-of-its-kind hardware is built with world-class precision. We are looking for a Black Belt who can solve chronic yield issues, influence design through DFM, and provide the foundational leadership to build a department from the ground up.
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