HR/IT Intern

Location: Palo Alto, CA (on-site)

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.

We hire exceptional talent — and exceptional means more than a strong résumé. How we achieve results is just as important as the results themselves, which is why attitude and character matter as much as technical skill. We believe great talent is widely distributed, not confined to a particular school or background. We seek individuals who demonstrate ownership, a spirit of collaboration, technical curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn and grow — guided by our core values of Respect, Integrity, Creativity, and Engineering Excellence. We don't just hire for what someone can do today. We hire for who they are and who they are becoming.

What We Need — and Why It Matters

xLight is seeking an HR/IT Intern to help enhance and scale our internally developed HR portal. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of software engineering, HR technology, and AI, building solutions that improve employee experience and streamline HR operations.

You will collaborate closely with HR, IT, and business stakeholders to develop new features, improve usability, automate workflows, integrate internal systems, and optimize the platform as the company continues to grow. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in building real-world internal applications while gaining exposure to HR processes and emerging AI technologies.

What You'll Do

• Enhance and maintain xLight's internally built HR portal by developing new features and improving existing functionality.
• Design and implement workflow automations to streamline HR and employee processes.
• Improve the user experience, performance, and scalability of internal applications.
• Support integration between HR systems and other internal tools.
• Troubleshoot technical issues, resolve bugs, and optimize system reliability.
• Collaborate with HR and cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Explore and implement AI-powered capabilities to improve automation, employee self-service, and internal workflows.
• Assist with system testing, documentation, and continuous platform improvements.

What We Are Looking For

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Experience programming in one or more modern languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, or C#.
• Understanding of web application development, databases, and software engineering fundamentals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn new technologies quickly.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively across HR, IT, and engineering teams.

And If You Bring This — Even Better

• Experience building web applications, internal tools, or workflow systems.
• Familiarity with REST APIs, SQL, Git, and cloud platforms.
• Exposure to AI/LLMs, automation tools, or prompt engineering.
• Interest in HR technology, employee experience, or business process automation.

What You Can Expect from Us

• 100% Company-funded health insurance for employee
• Company funded Life Insurance and disability insurance
• 401k contribution. 100% up to 3% of compensation, plus 50% match between 3% and 5%. Immediately vested.
• Flexible Paid Time-Off, Sick leave and Company Holidays
• Company Paid Two-weeks Winter Break
• Flexible Hybrid Work Model
• Chef prepared Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at Palo Alto office

EEO Statement

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.