Senior Electrical Engineer
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA | Newport News, VA | Batavia, IL | Remote (25–50% travel to project sites required)
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
We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to serve as the electrical subject matter expert on a large-scale, technically complex campus infrastructure and accelerator facility program. This is a hands-on engineering role requiring deep electrical expertise with the ability to critically review designs, evaluate field conditions, and provide authoritative technical guidance across power distribution, grounding, emergency power, and controls systems.
What You Will Do
Primary responsibilities:
- Lead electrical design reviews at all milestones (30%, 60%, 90%, IFC) including, low-voltage and medium-voltage distribution, switchgear, transformers, panelboards, UPS, and standby power systems
- Review and resolve electrical submittals, RFIs, and change order requests with technical rigor
- Evaluate power quality, grounding, and shielding requirements for sensitive accelerator and precision equipment
- Assess UPS, emergency, and standby power classifications and system design
- Review arc flash studies, coordination studies, and NEC code compliance
- Evaluate contractor work-in-place for conformance with electrical contract documents
- Identify electrical design gaps, coordination conflicts, and specification deficiencies
Other responsibilities:
- Support concept-level electrical load assessments and feasibility studies
- Assist with development and tracking of owner electrical requirements
- Identify and escalate electrical risks in a timely manner
Project Coordination Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities:
- Attend design and construction progress meetings as electrical representative
- Maintain electrical submittal logs and RFI registers
- Coordinate with mechanical, structural, and controls disciplines on interface requirements
- Represent the owner in electrical-related contractor and consultant meetings
Other responsibilities:
- Support budget review for electrical scope changes
- Reporting and stakeholder communication on electrical matters
What We Are Looking For
- Minimum BS in Electrical Engineering required
- 8+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience on complex facilities
- Experience on research facilities, data centers, industrial, or mission-critical infrastructure programs
- Deep knowledge of MV/LV power distribution, UPS systems, and emergency power
- Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE grounding standards
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or similar tools required
- Experience reviewing electrical calculations, load schedules, and single-line drawings at a detail level
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability and willingness to travel 25–50% for project site support
And If You Bring This — Even Better
- PE license preferred
- Experience with accelerator facilities, cleanrooms, or national laboratory electrical infrastructure is a strong plus
- PMP a plus, not required
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-170,000/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.
