Accelerator Operations Director (United States)

Accelerator Commissioning and Operations Director

Location: Hybrid [Virginia / California / Illinois]

About xLight

xLight is building the world's most powerful laser to revolutionize semiconductor lithography, metrology, and other critical applications. Our approach is to harness the power of free-electron lasers by building on accelerator technology currently used at scientific facilities around the world. In 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 and 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 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 building the world’s most powerful laser to revolutionize semiconductor lithography, metrology, and other critical economic and national security applications.

Our approach harnesses the power of free-electron lasers, building 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.

What You'll Do

• Develop a machine commissioning plan for the prototype accelerator and FEL system
• Responsible for all aspects of system operation, including high-level applications and algorithms, feedback systems, system availability improvements, maintenance/troubleshooting, automation, and robotics.
• Responsible for developing and executing a machine operation plan for all global systems, including documentation, processes, and procedures.
• Develop and execute operational directives on the accelerator sites in accordance with relevant state, national and international regulations
• Hiring and development of staff to carry out machine operations at various locations.

What We Are Looking For

• Ph.D in Physics or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 15+ years of experience with operating particle accelerators, experimental systems or other large-scale machines
• Strong understanding of accelerator operations and control systems
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing technical teams including scientific, engineering and technical staff.
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing facilities and ongoing operations, and large, complex systems from conceptual design through commissioned and operations

And If You Bring This — Even Better

• Experience with developing system requirements and requirements tracking
• Knowledge of radiation safety regulations
• Experience with free electron lasers or high average power lasers
• Application of AI/ML techniques to large scale system automation
• Use of robotics for remote operations and troubleshooting
• Experience in the semiconductor industry supply chain and related technologies

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

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.