Mechanical Engineer

Location: Newport News, Virginia with hybrid options supported.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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,/year.…