Program Manager, Fiber Laser Development nLight Photonics

Program Manager, Fiber Laser Development

About nLIGHT

nLight is a privately held company established in 2000 that develops and manufactures high-power semiconductor lasers for industrial, defense, medical and consumer applications. With state-of-the-art manufacturing in over 100,000 sq. ft. of facilities in Vancouver, WA, Hillsboro, OR, China, Finland and Germany, nLight is a leader in key growth markets. nLight has received numerous awards and acclaim for its growth, leadership, and innovation.

Summary

nLIGHT is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead new fiber laser product development projects. The successful candidate will possess the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to manage and execute project activities in order to meet or exceed stakeholder needs and expectations. The position requires successfully balancing competing demands between scope, time, cost, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate fiber laser new product introduction activities working with the various cross-functional product development teams.
• Responsible for delivering the new product introduction projects on schedule, within budget and with quality performance.
• Effectively manage product development projects through their life cycle: initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing.
• Primary point of contact to Product Manager, ensuring seamless communication throughout the various phases of the program.
• Primary communicator of project status horizontally and vertically throughout the organization.
• Provide direction to achieve project financial performance metrics, including P&L, inventory levels, etc. Must have experience with New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Assist in the management of early adopter Customer contracts including order fulfillment, compliance, and communication of contractual requirements to the appropriate functional areas of the organization; monitoring Customer and nLight performance to these requirements.
• Effectively communicate and share information, knowledge and expertise between projects and disciplines.
• Follow the proper governance for PM projects to meet the customer program requirements by meeting expectations, establishing cohesive policies and process.
• Support the development of major project proposals by assisting in the development of robust project plans utilizing core project management methodology.
• Coach and mentor the project teams on project management methodology and best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required. MS or MBA is preferred.
• 5 to 10 years management experience, preferably in an optical manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership and people engagement skills; leads by example using leadership effectiveness.
• Develops effective working relationships which foster integrity, trust and respect.
• General knowledge of financial terms and concepts (inventory and budgetary).
• Lean or Six Sigma certification a plus.
• Excellent computer and data analysis skills.
• Ability to travel 25%.

Applicant must be a US Person to comply with US government ITAR export control regulations for this position. A US Person is either a US Citizen valid Permanent Resident.

nLIGHT is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in its workforce.