Quality Manager - Engineering & Programs

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)

Experience: 8+ years of experience leading a Quality group in a production or manufacturing environment. Experience doing so in an aerospace and/or defense organization preferred.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in a technical field.

Compensation: $145,000-$175,000 based on experience 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 The Quality Manager oversees new product introduction (NPI) quality checks to ensure timely execution of tasks including Product Quality Plans, Measurement System Analysis, DFMEA, PFMEA, Incoming Inspections, In Process Inspections, and First Article Inspection Reporting. This role manages engineers and technicians but is a working manager role.

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.

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.

Required Experience / Capability

• 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.

Benefits Summary

• 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

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal . If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] .