Interim Process Engineering Manager

Who We Are

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

We are seeking an interim Process Engineering Manager to ensure continuity and leadership during an employee's scheduled leave of absence. In this position, you will enable development of next‑generation semiconductor lasers from concept to volume manufacturing by managing process engineering teams. Lead cross‑functional teams in continuous improvement activities of manufacturing processes, support and sustain product quality. This role lasts approximately nine months, with the possibility of further opportunities to continue employment with the company.

• Provide technical leadership to the laser fabrication process engineering team in an optoelectronics manufacturing facility.
• Support government and internally funded research and development programs by providing scientific guidance for new laser device designs and processes.
• Assist senior management by providing scientific input into strategic plans and analyzing objectives for development of new dielectric passivation, optical coatings and metal contact materials for next‑generation products.
• Identify and lead opportunities for advanced thin‑film deposition processes utilizing plasma‑enhanced CVD, magnetron sputter, ion‑beam deposited, and ion‑assisted electron‑beam evaporation processes by designing and performing deposition process development experiments.
• Manage and conduct structural, compositional, optical and electrical characterization of materials and root‑cause failure analysis of processes using in‑house and external analytical tools/techniques.
• Summarize and present results in internal and external forums. Prepare written reports, research papers and technical documents.
• Drive continuous improvement opportunities and yield metrics utilizing SPC, DOE, Gage R&R, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma concepts.
• Support transition of new products from prototype to volume production utilizing DFSS and DFM.

• 5+ years of research/development or manufacturing experience in semiconductor manufacturing processes and III/V optoelectronics process technology.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing highly qualified technical teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Optical, Physics, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical) or equivalent industrial experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor device physics and the interaction of photons, electrons and ions with matter.
• Expertise in semiconductor process technology, thin‑film science, process design, device fabrication, materials synthesis and characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve fabrication process problems in a manufacturing environment using structured methodologies and implementing robust solutions.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with cross‑functional, multi‑cultural teams.
• Experience qualifying new processes and equipment for volume production preferred.
• Green Belt, Black Belt or Lean Expert certification preferred.

This is a fixed‑term (approximately nine months) exempt role with a competitive salary and full benefits. Pay range: $90,000 – $119,000 annually.

• Target cash bonus of 6% of earned wages.
• Restricted Stock Unit grants.
• 4 weeks paid time off per year.
• 10 paid holidays.
• Health benefits starting the first day of the month after the start date.
• Medical, dental and vision benefits with low employee‑paid premiums.
• 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 and jury duty.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Pet insurance.