Mechanical Engineer - Optomechanical

xLight is on a mission to build the next-generation light source to power the future of semiconductor manufacturing. Our approach harnesses the power of free-electron lasers, utilizing accelerator-based methods in use globally at scientific user facilities. Extending this technology, we are developing an industrial-grade light source, engineered for continuous operation, to meet the sophisticated demands of next-gen patterning, metrology, and inspection applications.

Job Summary

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will specialize in designing and developing the mechanical infrastructure that delivers EUV beams from underground accelerator vaults to above‑ground semiconductor fabs. This role emphasizes precision alignment, ultra-high vacuum design and cleanliness, thermal and vibrational stability, positional and angular adjustment systems, and robust manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical design of EUV beamline segments, drift sections, and interfaces from accelerator vault to subfab, including vacuum chambers, beam tubes, gate valves, bellows, supports, and alignment infrastructure.
• Develop end‑to‑end designs: concepting, CAD models in NX, detailed drawings with GD&T, tolerance stacks, error budgets, design reviews, prototyping, and release to manufacturing via Teamcenter.
• Engineer precision alignment strategies (survey monuments, kinematic mounts, flexures, fiducials, etc.) with practical installation/commissioning procedures.
• Design UHV components and systems, both static and moving
• Perform structural/thermal/vibration analyses in Ansys to ensure structural integrity and thermal stability under operating loads.
• Plan installation from accelerator vault to fab: rigging, alignment sequence, survey, commissioning checklists, and root‑cause troubleshooting.
• Coordinate and collaborate with controls, vacuum, and optics personnel for interface control, requirements, and integration.
• Author test procedures and acceptance criteria for designed systems, perform tests, and analyze test data to verify performance.
• Perform FMECA (Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) on mechanical systems to identify potential failure modes, assess impact on alignment/stability, and vacuum integrity, and propose design mitigations to reduce risk.

Required Demonstrated Skills

• CAD modeling (NX/Solid Works) and drawing standards (ASME Y14.5 GD&T) with PLM integration (Teamcenter)
• UHV design fundamentals (materials, surface prep, cleanliness, etc.) and familiarity with UHV components, hardware, and motion systems.
• Designing in-vacuum laser or electron beam transport systems.
• Mounting, aligning, adjusting, and constraining systems or components in 6
  
  DOF
• FEA analysis (structural, vibration, thermal) in Ansys
• Knowledge of various manufacturing techniques & materials (CNC machining, welding/brazing, EDM, sheet metal)
• Develop test procedures and acceptance criteria, perform such tests, and analyze performance data to verify performance
• Effective communication with different teams and external vendors

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in Mechanical Engineering with 5+/3+ years of experience with complex, multidisciplinary systems such as accelerators, photon beamlines, or semiconductor capital equipment.
• Strong background in system integration and technical problem solving.

Additional Desired Skills

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Physics or Engineering.
• Hands-on experience with FEL or large-scale accelerator projects (LCLS-II, XFEL, FLASH, etc.).
• Ability to act as a technical lead for design challenges that require cross-functional collaboration between different stakeholder groups (mechanical, optics, electrical, systems, physics, etc.).
• Ability to help develop and implement in-house engineering procedures and best practices to ensure quality, efficiency, and consistency across all mechanical systems.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time appointment.
• xLight offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package with stock options, holidays, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance and 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• Send resume and optional cover letter to

Equal Opportunity 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.