Project Manager

nLIGHT, Inc.
paid time off, paid holidays, long term disability, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Colorado, Longmont
Mar 25, 2025
Description Position: Project Manager Experience: 5+ years of experience with Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Science, or related field. Advanced degree preferred. Location: Longmont, CO Travel: 25-50% Compensation: $100,000-$180,000 depending on education, skills, and experience. nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. HEL weapon systems are a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DS is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities - from semiconductor device through target identification and tracking - 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. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, is highly organized, self-motivated, enjoys working as a part of a team, and has an insatiable appetite to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment while continuously contributing to our mission. Do you love bringing a technical team together to solve challenging problems? We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in challenging environments. We need motivated Project Managers that are excited about building and delivering HEL weapon systems. All applicants must 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. Job Description: The Project Manager will be responsible for the timely execution of integration and test activities of hardware systems. The ideal candidate must be able to quickly and accurately assess project status, develop and disseminate a plan of action, and coordinate team members across multiple disciplines to successfully execute complex mechanical, electrical, and optical integration activities. They will leverage broad, multi-disciplinary knowledge to balance schedule risk and cost versus subsystem requirements when developing actionable plans. Responsibilities: Independently drive integration and test activities involving complex opto-electronic and opto-mechanical systems and subsystems, including: Define milestone scope and deliverables. Generate a discrete set of tasks. Develop a resource allocation plan in concert with discipline leads. Proactively identify & resolve material and labor deficiencies in advance of integration efforts. Actively manage tasking for teams of mechanical, electrical, and optical engineers Directly assist with mechanical, electrical, and optical integration activities. Coordinate with cross-functional partners to define and execute testing against deliverable requirements or a Statements of Work. Generate project reports for internal and external stakeholders. Provide clear and concise communication with all stakeholders - external customers, internal Management, and contributing team members. Lead and manage hardware development projects, ensuring timely and successful delivery. Develop and implement project plans, including defining project scope, goals, and deliverables. Coordinate and communicate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and government clients. Apply technical knowledge and expertise to address and solve complex project challenges. Drive technology acceleration and product development initiatives. Utilize strategic planning and program management skills to achieve project objectives. Ensure compliance with government regulations and contractual requirements. Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies. Provide regular project updates and reports to senior management and stakeholders. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team. Required Experience/Capabilities: Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. Proven ability to deliver hardware systems that meet challenging customer requirements. Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent strategic planning and program management abilities. Familiarity with government development programs. Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills. Effective communication and interpersonal abilities. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Direct experience leading multidisciplinary teams in research activities or product development. Additional Supporting Desired Experience / Capability: Experience in technology acceleration and product development. Experience in electro-optical engineering and technical project management. Creative leadership and innovative thinking. Strong programmatic skills and systems mindset. Ability to enable novel missions through technical solutions. Experience with SolidWorks PMP certification is a plus 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 [emailprotected].