Description
Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Job Summary
nLIGHT is looking for a Senior Counsel (Government) to support the company's rapidly growing government contracts portfolio. The position will be responsible for providing advice and legal counsel to the company on a broad range of matters, focusing on supporting the government contracting business of the company. The Senior Counsel (Government) must possess outstanding legal and business acumen, be a team player, and possess strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and leadership experience. This role will report to nLIGHT's General Counsel. Travel may be required. The position will be located in Camas, WA.
Responsibilities:
- Advise and provide expert legal guidance and strategic advice to senior management, sales and operational teams, human resources, and supply chain teams in pursuing business opportunities and negotiating and performing agreements with commercial and government entities in support of US and non-US government contracts (with government entities, prime contractors, and subcontractors).
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex government contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and other strategic agreements in support of the company's government defense contracting business
- Provide legal and strategic business advice to business partners on a wide variety of government contracts-related compliance matters, including compliance with the applicable government regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARs), anti-corruption, data privacy, cyber security, supplier certification, export control, intellectual property rights, export matters, and other government contracting issues.
- Manage other legal team members in support of the company's government contracting programs.
- Manage US Government contracting compliance program, including development and implementation of compliance framework including assessment program and preparation of policies, procedures, and other tools to enable compliant bidding and performance of contracts.
- Liaise with global external subject matter experts and outside counsel when necessary and acts as the interface between nLIGHT business teams and such experts and outside counsel.
- Stay abreast of relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends impacting the company's operations, and provide proactive guidance and support to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Understand key stakeholders' needs and develop solutions for maximum impact to accomplish corporate goals, strategies, and priorities.
- Review and interpret statutes, regulations, proposed legislation, judicial decisions, and legal opinions that may impact the company.
- Assist and/or provide legal advice in any and all areas as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree required and admitted to at least one state bar with active membership in good standing.
- Ability to register as in-house counsel as necessary.
- 8-10 years of relevant government defense contracting legal experience with prior in-house experience, preferably with some experience with high tech manufacturing.
- Demonstrated expertise and understanding of US government regulations, including the FAR and DFARs.
- Demonstrated ability to work across functions to provide timely and effective legal advice.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance as necessary.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 15% travel time.
Functional/Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Superior organizational, analytical and communication skills, oral and written.
- Strategic thinker with excellent judgment as well and ability to see the "big picture."
- Contributes to the development of organization functional strategy
- Demonstrated ability to independently identify practical legal solutions to complex challenges, to influence key internal and external stakeholders, and to work effectively in high-pressure, matrixed environments.
- Demonstrated excellence at assessing risk and the implementation of proportional mitigation strategies.
- Collaborative nature; able to function within a team environment with a high level of engagement and motivation.
- Commercial acumen - able to balance legal risk with business objectives with a solution-orientated mindset.
- Sound personal skills and confidence, with an ability to work under own initiative, often under cost or time critical conditions.
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Salary, level based on experience, education and skills:
- Senior Counsel (Government): $170,000-210,000
Other Compensation and Benefits
- Target Cash Bonus of 12-15% of your wages
- Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
- 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
- 10 paid Holidays
- Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
- Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Aflac Supplemental Insurance
- Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Pet Insurance
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
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 (360) 566-4460 or [emailprotected].
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
- E-Verify Participation Poster
- Right to Work Poster
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nLIGHT, Inc.
paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, 401(k)
Dec 16, 2025