Project Controls Analyst

nLIGHT, Inc.
paid time off, paid holidays, long term disability, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Colorado, Longmont
May 28, 2026
Description Location: Longmont (onsite) Experience: 5+ years of experience working within Project Controls Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or related field. Compensation: $100.000-$140,000 depending upon experience and education. 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: The Project Controls Analyst at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is critical for multi-disciplinary coordination across the company. We expect the Project Controls Analyst to learn a wide range of tools and coordinate and monitor complex activities and interactions across engineering teams. The Project Controls Analyst provides critical cost and schedule management information to team members and management using MS Project, EVMS, for Project and other tools to enable optimizing program execution. This position will be a great fit for you if you are motivated to learn new tools while supporting rapid prototyping of cutting-edge High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems as part of a dynamic and hard-working team. This position will have direct access to corporate senior leadership. 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: Integrated Master Schedule management into MS Project. Extract task data from GitLab and organize into MS Project Schedules. Implement, monitor, report and analyze program budget and schedule. Prepare ETC/EAC estimates from program staff input. Participate or lead presentations and group discussions regarding cost or schedule for both internal and external customers. BOM management and reconciliation to support configuration management through the system design, development, integration, and test phases. Review cost and schedule with cross functional engineering teams and update metrics accordingly. Assist in development of methods and tools to support financial, schedule and contract activities. Assist in management of EVM projects to ensure accurate tracking of cost, schedule, and performance. Assist in completion of corporate-wide initiatives spanning the organization Required Experience / Capability: Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship. Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships. A minimum of 5 years of experience in Project Controls Cost Analysis, Schedule Analysis, FP&A, Project Management, or related position. Practical knowledge of project management planning tools (MS Project). Experience utilizing cost control tools and other financial analysis tools. Solid MS Excel skills, along with other MS Office products. Strong problem-solving ability and ability to integrate information from multiple sources to reach a solution. Excels in individual and collaborative work assignments, with focus on promoting a collaborative work environment. Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives. Additional Desired Experience / Capability: Experience with Office Dynamics 365. Experience with Earned Value Management. Experience in task management using GitLab or similar platform. 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].