Electrical Engineer - Accelerator & Photon Systems

Location: Hybrid - Newport News, VA or Naperville, IL

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

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to lead the design and optimization of complex electrical and control systems for electron accelerator components and photon transport systems. You will drive technical development of accelerator magnets, RF systems, cryogenic controls, detector electronics, and beamline instrumentation, collaborating with accelerator physicists and RF engineers on world-class scientific facilities.

This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a hybrid environment with flexibility across our Newport News, VA and Naperville, IL offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of electrical systems for electron guns, RF systems, and accelerating structures
• Design magnet power supplies, pulse systems, and high-voltage distribution for accelerator components
• Develop control electronics for RF cavities, cryogenic systems, and beam diagnostics
• Perform electrical analysis and simulation (SPICE, ANSYS) for accelerator systems and photon diagnostics
• Design radiation-hardened detector electronics and front-end circuits for photon beamline diagnostics
• Develop specifications for beam position monitors, loss monitors, and photon diagnostics
• Ensure all designs meet accelerator safety standards, radiation requirements, and operational specifications
• Lead integration testing and troubleshooting of complex accelerator electrical subsystems
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on accelerator projects

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics
• 8+ years of professional experience in accelerator or scientific instrument electrical engineering
• Deep expertise in magnet power supplies, RF control systems, and high-voltage electronics
• Strong knowledge of particle accelerator systems, electron beam physics, and photon production
• Proficiency with electrical simulation tools (SPICE, MATLAB, ANSYS) and CAD software
• Experience with detector electronics, signal processing, and radiation tolerance requirements
• Strong problem-solving and systems-level thinking skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Physics
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or professional standing
• Experience with LCLS, SLAC, Fermilab, or comparable national laboratory accelerator projects
• Knowledge of cryogenic control systems and superconducting RF technology
• Experience with EPICS, LLRF systems, and accelerator control architecture
• Track record of leading technical teams and managing complex accelerator projects

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$135,000-175,000/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.