New

Frontend Software Engineer

nLIGHT, Inc.
paid time off, paid holidays, long term disability, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Colorado, Longmont
Apr 13, 2026
Description Location:Longmont, CO (onsite) Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Frontend Software Engineer Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or related field Compensation: $130k - $180k 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: Software Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the glue that synchronize all aspects of complex High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. HEL weapon systems are a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Located in Longmont, CO, we are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in challenging environments. We control complex hardware at high speeds and implement high bandwidth real time control systems. We manage data capture and automated processing at massive data rates. We create software that takes a highly complex system and turns it into a usable, robust machine to protect the warfighter. As a front-end developer, you will be responsible for how one interacts with laser weapons system and other development platforms. The end user will be a mix of internal customers and external customers, up to and including the warfighter. You will interact with users to help drive their product and have the curiosity to understand the complex underpinnings of laser weapon. This is all in effort to present an elegant and engaging user experience. You will also work closely with back-end developers to bring up the product, and at times, contribute to the back-end code base. 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: Work with a team of software, firmware, and hardware engineers, develop, test, and deploy software solutions to interface with and control state-of-the-art high-energy laser weapon systems. Work with electro-optical engineers and end users to understand higher level functional and execution requirements and implement solutions. Test and debug control and data capture solutions with surrogate test hardware and/or with final deliverable system hardware. Document and track progress against requirements and schedule objectives. Develop requirements and software solutions based on specifications defined by diagrams, documents, and/or example MATLAB or Python code. Develop and test user-interfaces. Design rigorous testing for continuous development. Maintain code-base and participate in merge requests. Working with engineers from other disciplines, support integration and test of software and firmware on systems. Work with other software engineers to apply, improve and document coding standards and processes. Required Experience / Capability: Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship. Teamwork. Communication with management and colleagues on active assignments Excel in individual and collaborative work assignments, with focus on promoting a collaborative work environment. Effectively manage schedules and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives. Willingness to engage in topics outside of expertise. Experience with game development (Godot, Unity, Unreal, etc.) Experience with C#, .NET, Python and JavaScript Familiarity with Windows Operating System and writing software to communicate with hardware (i.e., DLLs and Drivers). Experience defining and implementing test procedures, unit test code and interfaces as required to validate software operation, typically with hardware. Maintain quality and version control via documentation and GitLab repository management. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting experience with the ability to integrate information from multiple sources to reach a solution. Additional Supporting Desired Experience / Capability: Experience in task management using GitLab or similar platform. Experience with Military or Commercial Human Machine Interfaces Experience with full stack development. Experience in DevOps Familiarity with real-time hardware. Familiarity with MATLAB, C, and/or C++. Experience with processor resource allocation, e.g., thread management Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking. Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser Systems. Familiarity with MS Office 365 tools. 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] .