Sr. Vacuum Engineer - Accelerator Components

Senior Vacuum Engineer - Accelerator Components

Location: Hybrid - Newport News, VA or Naperville, IL

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

We are seeking an experienced Vacuum Engineer to design and optimize ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems for electron accelerator components and free-electron laser (FEL) facilities. In this role, you will develop vacuum systems for electron gun assemblies, RF cavities, accelerating structures, beam transport lines, and photon beamline components. You will work on cutting-edge accelerator science projects in a collaborative, hybrid environment with flexibility across our Newport News, VA and Naperville, IL offices.

What You’ll Do

• Design and develop ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems for electron guns, RF cavities, accelerating structures, and beam transport lines
• Perform vacuum system analysis, pressure modeling, and outgassing calculations for accelerator components
• Design vacuum chambers, differential pumping systems, and beam pipes for electron accelerators
• Select and specify vacuum components including turbomolecular pumps, ion pumps, cryogenic systems, and gauges
• Conduct thermal and pressure analysis using CAD simulation tools for UHV environments
• Design vacuum systems compatible with RF systems, superconducting components, and cryogenic infrastructure
• Test and validate vacuum systems to meet accelerator performance specifications
• Collaborate with accelerator physicists and RF engineers on integrated system design
• Develop technical specifications and engineering documentation for vacuum subsystems

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 8 years of professional experience in UHV systems design and engineering
• In-depth knowledge of vacuum technology, gas dynamics, and UHV component behavior
• Experience with accelerator vacuum systems, RF cavities, or beam transport systems
• Proficiency with CAD software (SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD) and vacuum analysis tools
• Strong understanding of cryogenic systems and superconducting component compatibility
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills for complex vacuum applications

And If You Bring This — Even Better

• Master's degree in Engineering or Physics
• Experience with LCLS, SLAC facilities, or comparable light source accelerators
• Knowledge of photon beamline vacuum systems and X-ray optics chambers
• Experience with ion pump technology and residual gas analysis
• Familiarity with accelerator control systems and EPICS software

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$115,000-165,000/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.

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.