Mechanical Engineer

xLight Inc.; Newport News (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life Insurance

401k

Flexible PTO & Holidays

Hybrid work model

Job summary

xLight Inc. in Newport News, VA, offers a hybrid work model and seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop mechanical components for accelerator beamlines and optical transport systems.

You will own designs from concept to manufacturing, perform tolerancing and simulations, and ensure safety and reliability while collaborating across disciplines. The role scales with expertise and contributes to cutting-edge lithography technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Graduate degree in mechanical engineering 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for accelerator beamlines and optical transport systems.
• Own mechanical designs from concept through manufacturing, including feasibility studies, CAD modeling, drawings with GD&T, and design reviews.
• Perform first-order physics and engineering calculations, tolerance analysis, and simulations (FEA/CFD).
• Prototype, test, commission, and troubleshoot beamline, optics, and mechanical systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental guidelines.
• Utilize PDM/PLM systems to manage drawings, BOMs, and change processes.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA & CFD

CAD modeling

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PDM/PLM systems

CAD software

Job description

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.

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

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

What We Are Looking For

• 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.

And If You Bring This — Even Better

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

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

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.