Mechanical Designer

Location : Newport News, Virginia with hybrid options supported.

About xLight

xLight is building the world's most powerful laser to revolutionize semiconductor lithography, metrology, and for other critical applications. Our approach harnesses the power of free-electron lasers, building on accelerator technology in use globally at scientific user facilities. Extending this technology, we are developing industrial-grade light sources, engineered for continuous operation, to meet the sophisticated demands of next-generation patterning, metrology, and inspection applications. Join us in this new revolution.

Opportunity

xLight is seeking a highly motivated mechanical designer to be on the ground floor of developing a new free-electron laser source for industry. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, start-up environment and will not get vertigo from the scope of the tasks ahead. She/He will thrive working in a small group setting in close collaboration with the scientific and engineering team in support of the Accelerator and Photon Systems. Critical aspects of the work will focus on translating engineering requirements into mechanical designs and iterating these designs with relevant stakeholders both internal and external. Relevant experience in an industrial environment is advantageous to the successful candidate.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design activities for accelerator components, beamline systems, and associated infrastructure.
• Develop 3D models, detailed assemblies, and manufacturing drawings in Siemens NX, ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
• Manage product data and revision control through Teamcenter PLM, supporting configuration management for complex projects.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and scientists to translate conceptual requirements into robust mechanical designs.
• Support design reviews, safety analyses, and fabrication readiness reviews.
• Work under the direction of senior designers, develop and contribute to establishing best practices in design workflows.
• Coordinate with vendors, fabricators, and machinists to ensure design manufacturability and quality.
• Apply knowledge of common fabrication techniques to provide guidance for costs and advise on component selection

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical design for complex systems, preferably in accelerator, photon science, or similar high-precision fields.
• Proficiency in Siemens NX (modeling, drafting, advanced assemblies).
• Expertise in Teamcenter for PLM, version control, and design data management.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, ASME Y14 standards, and engineering documentation practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams including scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Associate’s degree in mechanical design; equivalent industry experience will be considered.

Additional Desired Skills

• Familiarity with vacuum, cryogenic, radiation shielding, or precision alignment systems is desirable.
• Experience working at or with DOE national laboratories is a plus.

The pay range for this position reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries at commencement of employment and is expected to be between USD$90,000-130,000/year. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including role, job-related knowledge, skills, relevant education and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including equity, and a full range of benefits. Details of all benefits will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

xLight Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.