Mechanical Engineer

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

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will specialize in the design and development of mechanical components for accelerator beamlines and optical transport systems. You will play a pivotal role in creating mechanical systems that meet stringent requirements for high precision and stability. We are considering early-career or more experienced engineers and will scale the position accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for accelerator beamlines and optical transport systems, including precision mounts, mirror benders, flexures, vacuum chambers, cooling systems, and motion systems.
• Own mechanical designs from concept through manufacturing, including feasibility studies, engineering analysis, CAD modeling, detailed drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards, design reviews, procurement, prototype testing, system integration, and manufacturing handoff.
• Perform first-order physics and engineering calculations, tolerance analysis, and error budgeting to support design decisions. Conduct engineering simulations including FEA and CFD to optimize alignment, vibration, thermal performance, and overall system stability.
• Prototype, test, commission, and troubleshoot beamline, optics, and mechanical systems, including performance validation and failure analysis of complex mechanical and optomechanical assemblies.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety requirements, and environmental guidelines, including safety analyses and risk assessments.
• Utilize PDM/PLM systems to manage engineering documentation, BOMs, drawings, and ECR/ECO processes, while maintaining detailed engineering records and presenting design, analysis, and test results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Graduate degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field with 3+ years of relevant experience
• Experience with superconducting RF accelerators, cryogenics, or FEL systems.
• Knowledge of optical transport systems (vacuum optics, high-power laser or EUV beamlines).
• Background in system integration, reliability engineering, and technical problem solving.

Additional Desired Skills

• Familiarity with synchrotrons, accelerator beamlines or related scientific instrumentation.
• Familiarity with semiconductor capital equipment.

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.