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CNC Machine Operator

nLIGHT
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Longmont, CO, USA
Oct 07, 2026

Description

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience:A minimum of 2 years professional machining experience.
Minimum Education: H.S. Diploma or GED required; Associate degree or Technical Certification is a plus.
Compensation: $28.00-$43.00/hour depending 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 Machine Operator will support the development of cutting-edge laser and electro-optical systems.  The ideal candidate has at least 2 years professional machining experience but is interested in career broadening opportunities to expand into mechanical design and drafting.  Must be comfortable with execution of rapid turn precision machining modifications of existing components and/or fabrication of new components. 

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: .  Please review this information before applying.

Responsibilities:
  • Able to effectively manage the schedule and prioritize with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives. 
  • Maintain and configure machine shop equipment, including mills, lathes, saws, and metrology tooling. 
  • Develop and prove out feeds, speeds, and machining strategies. 
  • Maintain a positive attitude, with strong troubleshooting skills and willingness to develop creative solutions to time-sensitive problems. 
  • Must be comfortable with execution of rapid turn precision machining modifications of existing components and/or fabrication of new components. 
  • Must also be willing to work additional duties related to facility support (clean rooms, high end chillers, generators, occasional simple facility maintenance activities, occasional travel to support testing at customer sites). 
Required Experience / Capability:
  • Commitment to Excellence.  Attention to Detail.  Pride in Workmanship.    
  • At least 2 years’ experience as a professional CNC machine operator, setting up, and running CNC mills or CNC lathes. 
  • Expertise in Fabrication and Assembly Drawing Preparation for manufacturing (ISO and ANSI standards) including experience with version control and change record documentation. 
  • Experience with HAAS or FANUC CNC machine controls. 
  • Experience manually writing and/or editing G-Code programs. 
  • Experience with CAM Software: HSMWorks, Fusion 360 CAM, Mastercam, GibbsCAM, or ESPRIT.   
  • Experience with conversational programming: Proto-Trak, HAAS Visual Part Programming System.  
  • Experience working in AS9100 or ISO9001 certified manufacturing facility.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure. 
  • Experience with preventative maintenance on CNC machine tools. 
  • Experience with facility maintenance activities. 
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]. 

Job ID

oHXlAfwj

Security Clearance

Public Trust
About nLIGHT
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