Description Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 5+ years of experience managing DoD programs
Minimum Education: Bachelors degree in Engineering, Science, or related field
Compensation: $120,000-$180,000 depending upon education and experience.
Who We Are LIGHT-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: We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex Department of Defense (DoD) programs. The Program Manager will oversee program scope, cost, schedule, performance, and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance with DoD policies, contractual requirements, and organizational standards. This role requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, and experience working within DoD acquisition frameworks. The candidate will be responsible for successful execution and programmatic tracking support for High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon Systems and/or HEL Beam Control Systems (BCS).
Responsibilities: Serve as the primary point of contact with DoD customers, stakeholders, and subcontractors. Lead program planning, budgeting, scheduling, and performance tracking. Manage program teams across engineering, logistics, security, and support functions. Develop program documentation (e.g., Program Management Plans, risk registers, decision briefs). Monitor contract performance, deliverables, and earned value management (EVM) metrics as required. Prepare and present program status reports, milestones, and reviews (e.g., IPTs, PMRs). Identify, mitigate, and manage program risks, issues, and opportunities. Oversee subcontractor performance and contract modifications. Actively manage technical teams to ensure efficient and rapid execution of complex systems.
Required Experience / Capability: 5+ years of experience managing DoD programs Demonstrated experience working with DoD customers and acquisition processes Proven ability to manage complex programs with cross-functional teams Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and performance metrics Experience with risk management and issue resolution Proficiency with program management tools (MS Project, Jira, EVM tools, etc.) Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure Superior problem-solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources to reach a solution Develop and maintain documentation in support of formal DoD acquisition design reviews (i.e. CoDR, SRR, PDR, IBR, CDR, TRR, etc.) Technical Presentation and Report Writing Skills (i.e. good technical writing skills are critical) Vendor management experience
Additional Desired Experience / Capability: Master's degree (MBA, MS Systems Engineering, or related field) Experience in functional and performance requirements allocation and tracking Experience in System Engineering tools: Model-based Systems Engineering tools Experience with High Energy Laser systems Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking and/or Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems Configuration Management for laser and electro-optical systems, in particular for high power applications
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.