Radiation Physicist

xLight Inc.; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

401k with company match

Flexible hybrid work

Job summary

xLight Inc. in Palo Alto, California, is building a new free-electron laser light source for industry.

We seek a Radiation Physicist to lead radiation safety design and operations, collaborating with scientists and engineers in a fast-moving startup. You will develop radiological protection programs, oversee measurements, and ensure compliance with US and international regulations, drawing on experience with accelerators.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Health Physics or related field.
• 5+ years of experience with radiation shielding design for accelerators.
• Knowledge of US and international regulations related to radiation safety.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing radiation protection program for a large accelerator.

Responsibilities

• Execute calculations (Monte Carlo and analytic codes) and specify requirements for shielding and other radiation quantities for accelerators and beamlines.
• Contribute to the design of radiation safety systems including access control systems.
• Organize and participate in review panels and working groups for radiation safety systems; review documents such as radiation safety procedures, engineering specifications and drawings, building submittal packages, etc.
• Maintain expertise in international radiation regulations.
• Develop, execute and oversee operation programs related to radiation safety systems, including facility authorization, configuration control, and work plan configuration.
• Organize and oversee radiation measurements for commissioning and regular monitoring.

Skills

Radiation safety leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Analytical reasoning

Education

MS/PhD in Physics or Health Physics

Tools

FLUKA

Geant4

Job description

Location: Palo Alto, California with remote and 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

xLight is seeking a highly motivated Radiation Physicist to be on the ground floor during the development of a new free‑electron laser light source for industry. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, start‑up environment and will thrive working in a small group setting in close collaboration with the scientific and engineering teams. The Radiation Physicist will lead all aspects of the radiation safety design and operation to protect workers, users, the public and the environment. They will also be responsible for the establishment and implementation of the radiological protection programs for the facilities. Relevant experience with an accelerator facility, Department of Defense, or Department of Energy National Laboratory is desired. The ideal candidate will excel in the fast‑paced nature of a start‑up environment and demonstrate a proactive approach in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

What You’ll Do

• Execute calculations (using Monte Carlo and analytic codes) and specify requirements for shielding and other radiation quantities for accelerators and beamlines
• Contribute to the design of radiation safety systems including access control systems
• Organize and participate in review panels and working groups for radiation safety systems; review documents such as radiation safety procedures, engineering specifications and drawings, building submittal packages, etc.
• Maintain expertise in international radiation regulations
• Develop, execute and oversee operation programs related to radiation safety systems, including facility authorization, configuration control, and work plan configuration
• Organize and oversee radiation measurements for commissioning and regular monitoring

What We Are Looking For

• MS or PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Health Physics or related field
• 5+ years of experience with radiation shielding design for accelerators.
• In depth knowledge of radiological hazard analysis
• Demonstrated experience overseeing radiation protection program for a large accelerator
• Knowledge of both US and international regulations related to radiation safety
• Skilled with FLUKA, Geant4 and other Monte Carlo radiation generation and tracking codes

And If You Bring This — Even Better

• Experience with the theory and operation of radiation measurement equipment
• Work experience at a large accelerator or nuclear facility

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
• Monthly breakfast, complimentary snacks and beverages at Newport News 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-150,000/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.