Staff Electrical Test Engineer

Location: Longmont, CO (Onsite)
Experience: 5+ years of Electrical Engineering or hardware validation experience
Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 depending on experience

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).

This role bridges product development and production by applying expertise in electronic test methods, component-level troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and test automation. The ideal candidate is passionate about hands-on engineering, data-driven decision making, and delivering high-quality solutions in support of critical defense programs.

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

• Design, develop, and execute manual, automated, and environmental test protocols to evaluate the performance, reliability, safety, and durability of electronic systems and assemblies.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize automated test software using MATLAB, Python, C, and C++ to support verification, validation, and EMC/EMI testing activities.
• Conduct verification and validation testing in accordance with applicable military, aerospace, and quality management standards.
• Interpret technical documentation including schematics, PCB layouts, component datasheets, interface control documents (ICDs), and engineering specifications.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical and electronic failures at the component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Analyze test data, perform root-cause investigations, and document findings through detailed engineering reports and presentations.
• Support qualification and compliance testing activities, including environmental and electromagnetic compatibility evaluations.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, electro-optical, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to improve product performance and reduce technical risk.
• Support transition of products from development into production through test process development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate test records, configuration control documentation, and compliance artifacts.

Required Experience / Capability

• Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience supporting hardware validation, integration, testing, or qualification of electronic systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing automated test software using MATLAB, Python, C, and/or C++.
• Working knowledge of military qualification standards, including MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461.
• Experience executing, supporting, or analyzing EMC/EMI testing activities.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, PCB documentation, and component specifications.
• Proficiency with laboratory test equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power supplies, and digital multimeters.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause investigation skills.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with aerospace and military connectors, cable harness practices, IPC workmanship standards, and material compliance requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with SolidWorks.
• Experience designing and developing electrical or electronic test fixtures.
• Experience with automated cable and wire-harness testing.
• Experience performing Hi-Pot and insulation resistance testing.
• Additional experience supporting MIL-STD qualification testing programs.
• Experience working within defense, aerospace, or high-reliability electronics environments.

• 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