Mechanical Engineer- Tooling

nLIGHT • Longmont, CO

39d • $105,000 - $140,000 • Onsite

About The Position

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Tooling Design Engineer to support the development and production of advanced High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. This role is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of specialized tooling, fixtures, test equipment, and support systems used throughout manufacturing, integration, and testing operations. As a member of a newly established team supporting the HADES product line, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and production teams to develop innovative solutions that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and repeatability in the assembly and testing of complex electro-optical systems. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the successful production of cutting-edge defense technologies in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. 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.

Requirements

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and pride in workmanship.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience designing and developing tooling, fixtures, or support equipment in an engineering, manufacturing, or production environment.
• Strong proficiency with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, with SolidWorks preferred, and a thorough understanding of engineering drawing standards, tolerance analysis, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Working knowledge of material properties, manufacturing processes, machining methods, and fabrication techniques, with the ability to incorporate these considerations into practical design solutions.
• Understanding of precision weldments, structural fabrication methods, and associated manufacturing capabilities.
• Proficiency in engineering analysis techniques, including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to validate and optimize designs.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment where priorities, schedules, and requirements may evolve rapidly.
• All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with low volume, high precision systems is preferred.
• Experience supporting low-volume, high-precision systems is preferred.
• Experience with pressure testing, fluid handling systems, or liquid-cooled systems is preferred.
• Experience with optical alignment methods and tooling is preferred.
• Experience designing equipment used for lifting, transporting, or positioning large and complex systems is preferred.
• Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary engineering and production environment to design, analyze, validate, and implement tooling and support equipment ranging from precision mechanical fixtures to electronic test stands and optical alignment systems.
• Lead mechanical design efforts for multiple concurrent projects, balancing short-turnaround tooling needs with larger, long-term development initiatives.
• Partner with Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Manufacturing, and Software Engineering teams to define requirements, evaluate design concepts, and ensure tooling solutions meet technical, schedule, and operational objectives.
• Create detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and documentation packages that support fabrication, assembly, testing, and maintenance activities.
• Perform engineering analyses, including tolerance studies, structural evaluations, and design verification activities, to ensure tooling meets performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, ergonomics, and operational effectiveness through innovative tooling and process solutions.
• Support the procurement, fabrication, assembly, and deployment of tooling and support equipment while coordinating with internal stakeholders and external vendors as required.
• Provide technical support during integration, testing, and production activities, troubleshooting tooling-related issues and implementing corrective actions when necessary.

Benefits

• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
• 11 paid Holidays
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
• Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
• Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level