Quality Manager - Engineering & Programs

nLIGHT • Longmont, CO

3d • $145,000 - $175,000 • Onsite

About The Position

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a leading developer of Directed Energy systems, a top modernization priority for the Department of Defense. The company specializes in High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition/Pointing/Tracking (APT) solutions. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems is vertically integrated, leveraging internal capabilities from semiconductor devices to target identification to create high-performance, cost-effective systems. The company continuously invests in capabilities, facilities, and technology to advance HEL solutions for the military. This role offers an opportunity to work at the forefront of the HEL industry within a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and the country. nLIGHT, headquartered in Camas, Washington, is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

Requirements

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience in quality control, inspection, or manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of inspection methods, measurement tools, and quality systems.
• Familiarity with cleanroom practices, ESD controls, and FOD prevention.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple priorities.
• All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading a Quality group in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience doing so in an aerospace and/or defense organization preferred.
• Existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain product quality documentation, including incoming inspection plans, product quality plans, control plans, FAIRs, and Quality Management System records to support new product introductions and ongoing production.
• Support DFMEA, PFMEA, and other risk assessment activities to identify, mitigate, and manage product and process quality risks.
• Oversee incoming inspection activities to ensure raw materials, components, and purchased parts meet quality, regulatory, and documentation requirements.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations to resolve supplier issues, material discrepancies, and quality concerns.
• Oversee in-process and final inspection activities to ensure product conformity to specifications, quality requirements, and release criteria.
• Support production teams in identifying, investigating, and resolving quality issues while ensuring adherence to control plans, work instructions, and sampling requirements.
• Ensure accurate completion and maintenance of inspection records, test results, traceability documents, and other quality records in accordance with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining controlled, accurate, and readily accessible quality documentation.
• Manage the identification, segregation, disposition, and documentation of nonconforming material, including oversight of MRB and NCR processes.
• Drive corrective and preventive action initiatives in partnership with Quality Engineering to improve product quality and prevent recurrence of quality issues.
• Ensure compliance with cleanroom, ESD, and FOD prevention requirements through enforcement of established procedures, environmental controls, and contamination-control practices.
• Train, mentor, and develop quality inspectors and technicians, maintain qualification records, and promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

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: Manager