Optomechanical Engineer

xLight Inc.; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

401k with company match

Flexible PTO

Winter break

Flexible hybrid work model

Office meals in Palo Alto

Job summary

xLight Inc. is seeking an Optomechanical Engineer in Palo Alto to design precision mechanical components for accelerator beamlines and optical transport systems. You’ll create mounts, vacuum chambers, and motion systems, collaborating with vendors from requirements through acceptance.

The role requires experience with CAD/PLM tools, FEA/CFD analyses, and knowledge of vacuum systems and actuators. A strong analytical mindset and project management skills are essential for success at xLight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience in the design of precision mechanical and optomechanical systems in a high-tech environment.
• Proficiency with CAD software (NX, Creo, SolidWorks, etc.) and PDM/PLM tools (Teamcenter, Windchill, ePDM, etc.).
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, brazing, EDM, sheet metal forming, 3D printing, etc.
• Knowledge of actuators (DC motors, stepper motors, piezo motors) and vacuum system fundamentals.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical/optomechanical components for accelerator beamlines and optical transport systems, including precision mounts, mirrors, vacuum chambers, cooling and motion systems.
• Collaborate with vendors to develop custom systems from requirements through acceptance.
• Create engineering drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Perform first-order physics/engineering calculations, error budgeting, and tolerance analysis.
• Conduct analyses using simulations (FEA, CFD).
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines; perform safety analyses and risk assessments.
• Work with PDM/PLM systems to manage documentation, BOMs, and ECRs/ECOs.
• Maintain detailed engineering records and present reports on design choices and results.

Skills

Mechanical design

Optomechanical systems

CAD software

PDM/PLM

FEA analysis

CFD analysis

Vacuum systems

Actuators knowledge

Machining & welding

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's or MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

Creo

SolidWorks

Teamcenter

Intralink/Windchill

ePDM

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

Location: Palo Alto, CA (hybrid) with travel requirements

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.

At xLight, 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 an Optomechanical 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 optomechanical systems that meet stringent requirements for high precision and stability.

What You Will Do

• Design mechanical/optomechanical components/systems for accelerator beamlines and optical transport systems, including precision mounts, mirrors, flexures, vacuum chambers, cooling systems, and motion systems.
• Manage Collaborate with vendors in developing custom systems to ensure compliance from requirements definition through acceptance.
• Create engineering drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Perform 1st order physics/engineering calculations, error budgeting, and tolerance analysis to support design choices.
• Conduct engineering analyses using simulations, such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Ensure that all designs and activities comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines including safety analyses and risk assessments.
• Work with Product Data Management (PDM) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems to manage design documentation, drawings, bill of materials (BOMs), and engineering change requests/orders (ECRs/ECOs).
• Maintain detailed engineering records, including design notes, calculations, and meeting outcomes.
• Prepare and present reports summarizing design choices, analysis results, and testing outcomes.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience in the design of precision mechanical and optomechanical systems, preferably in a high-tech industry environment.
• Proficiency with CAD software (NX, Creo, SolidWorks, etc.), PDM/PLM software (Teamcenter, Intralink/Windchill, ePDM, etc.), FEA analysis (ANSYS, COMSOL, Mechanica, etc.), and other relevant engineering tools.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, brazing, EDM, sheet metal forming, 3D printing, etc.
• Knowledge of different types of actuators such as DC motors, stepper motors, piezo motors, etc.
• Knowledge of high vacuum system fundamentals and motion control in a vacuum environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

And If You Bring This - Even Better

• Familiarity with synchrotron accelerator beamlines or related scientific instrumentation.
• Familiarity with semiconductor capital equipment.
• Knowledge of optics.

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

Pay transparency

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 115,000/year-165,000/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.

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.