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).
Summary
We are looking for a Vice President Human Resources to play a critical leadership role at nLIGHT as our worldwide organization continues to scale. An experienced HR leader who enjoys a fast-paced environment and shaping an organization for the future can have a real impact on this rapidly growing laser technology and manufacturing company. Lead an experienced HR organization, managing programs and processes designed to recruit, hire, develop and retain a talented, motivated and productive workforce. Partner with company leaders in operations, business unit and functional areas on personnel related strategy and programs. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, this person will work primarily onsite in Camas, WA.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of Human Resources functions worldwide, including programs, systems and processes for talent acquisition, employee onboarding and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, organizational strategy and implementation of changes, employee relations, HR systems, and compliance. Directly manage key compensation processes, decisions and obtaining approvals.
- Manage and collaborate with HR teams located in the US (Pacific Northwest and Colorado sites) and China, developing and building on corporate level HR programs, policies and practices, considering local labor laws and existing practices. For smaller international sites, meet with the leaders on a regular basis to discuss personnel related topics.
- Develop productive and influential relationships with the leaders of the company. Learn about the organization and business to inform your advice or coaching of leaders in support of company strategy and objectives.
- Develop and implement short and long-term HR strategies that align with organizational goals. Coordinate as needed with other functional teams and leaders.
- Manage public company and corporate HR requirements including participating in Proxy drafting and review, providing fiduciary oversight for 401(k) and benefits, and managing other legal and compliance obligations.
- Prepare materials and analysis for the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee; manage required approvals as needed.
- Ensure consistent application of HR processes and policies, compliance with labor laws, and adherence to reporting requirements.
- Provide expert counsel to senior leadership. Identify and track key HR metrics to communicate trends and help solve issues that affect the organization, such as productivity, engagement and retention.
- Partner with senior leaders to build leadership capability and ensure a strong pipeline for future growth.
- Oversee HR systems, such as applicant tracking system and HRIS (partnering with payroll), ensuring data integrity, maintenance of employment records and efficiency. Select vendors and manage vendor relationships.
- Oversee preparation and delivery of HR training; draft/review corporate or site level communications to employees.
- Provide guidance and leadership to the HR team, continuing to strengthen the organization through development and mentoring.
- Support corporate initiatives.
- Visit sites in Vancouver, Washington, Hillsboro, Oregon and Longmont, CO. Occasional other travel depending on business activities.
Required Skills/Experience:
- Bachelor's degree required, major in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field preferred.
- Current HR certification is preferred.
- 12+ years of experience in HR, with minimum 2 years of experience in a technology company, preferably high-tech manufacturing environment. Experience in finance / business roles is a plus.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience leading human resources in a large, complex organization is required; experience in a public company leadership role is preferred.
- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to collaborate with executives, senior management, and diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to cover a wide range of HR responsibilities and activities, from day-to-day HR to strategies.
- Proactive and responsive, anticipating and providing solutions to business needs, managing priorities to meet commitments.
- Strong knowledge of US and state employment laws and HR practices required, international employment law understanding preferred.
- Proven attention to detail required.
- Effective project management and facilitation and organizational skills.
- Proven effective communication skills, both oral and written.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with HRIS systems, Application Tracking Systems, and HR metrics or dashboards.
- Strong Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills.
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
Vice President Human Resources: $185,000 - $220,000 annually plus bonus and equity
Other Compensation and Benefits
- Target Cash Bonus of 20% of earned wages
- Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
- 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
- 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
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
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nLIGHT, Inc.
paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, 401(k)
Oct 06, 2025