Electro-Optical Technician

Location

Longmont, CO (onsite)

1-3 years of professional and/or academic optical/laser experience.

H.S. Diploma or GED required;
Associate Degree or Technical Certification is a plus.

$30-$45/hour depending on experience.

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).

We are seeking an organized, motivated individual to serve as an Electro-Optical (EO) Technician supporting our advanced high-energy laser beam control systems. This role will predominantly support electro-optical engineers in system assembly, integration, alignment, test apparatus setup and documentation across multiple subsystems. The successful candidate will perform hands‑on assembly of opto‑mechanical packages; inspect, mount and bond optics; assist with alignment of multi‑element optical trains, construct test fixtures;

and generate process documentation while gaining exposure to the full system lifecycle in a leading edge laser systems environment. Under close supervision, you will help ensure that components and subsystems meet schedule, quality and performance goals. Ideal candidates are capable of independently accomplishing assigned tasks, will identify process improvement opportunities, and are eager to participate in highly cross‑functional assembly and test activities.

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Please review this information before applying.

• Assist in the construction, alignment, and testing of optical and electro‑optical components and assemblies (mirrors, lenses, waveplates, dichroics, etc.) in a clean‑room environment.
• Operate standard alignment and test equipment (autocollimators, interferometers, beam profilers, spectrophotometers, optical spectrum analyzers).
• Perform mechanical and optical assembly tasks including mounting optical elements, mount assembly, and installation of opto‑mechanical sub‑assemblies into larger assemblies.
• Assist in performing visual inspections, verifying component cleanliness standards, parts traceability, and basic troubleshooting of mechanical or optical anomalies.
• Maintain cleanroom cleanliness standards and ensure optics and mechanics are handled per contamination control.
• Support maintenance and calibration of production tooling and equipment.
• Work collaboratively with optical, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering teams to support schedule milestones and system level integration.
• Generate documentation including integration photos, alignment logs, work instruction updates, assembly travelers, and data backups.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities spanning process refinements, clean‑room ergonomics, production documentation improvements, and assist in implementing corrective actions when directed.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills.