Construction Manager

Construction Manager

Location: Albany, NY (On-site full-time — this is not a remote or hybrid role)

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 an experienced Construction Manager to serve as the owner's full-time on-site representative throughout the construction phase of a large-scale campus infrastructure and accelerator facility program in Albany, NY. This person is the owner's eyes and ears on the ground every day — managing contractor performance, enforcing quality and safety standards, tracking progress, and ensuring the project is built to plan.

What You Will Do

Field oversight and quality:

• Present on-site every working day to observe, document, and manage construction activities
• Monitor contractor and subcontractor work for conformance with contract documents, drawings, and specifications
• Conduct daily site walks and document field conditions, progress, and issues
• Enforce quality control standards; reject non-conforming work and track corrective actions to closure
• Oversee testing and inspection activities; review and accept or reject inspection reports
• Ensure punch list items are identified, tracked, and closed prior to substantial completion

RFI and submittal management:

• Manage field RFI process — receive, log, route, and track responses; flag urgent items to engineering team
• Review submittals for field applicability and coordinate with design team for formal responses
• Identify field conditions that require design team attention or formal RFI

Schedule and cost:

• Track contractor daily and weekly progress against baseline schedule
• Identify and report schedule risks and delays immediately to project leadership
• Review contractor payment applications for conformance with work in place
• Document and track field change orders; assess validity of contractor change claims

Safety:

• Monitor contractor safety programs and site safety compliance daily
• Report safety incidents immediately; participate in incident investigations
• Ensure contractor maintains required safety documentation and certifications on-site

Communication and reporting:

• Prepare and distribute daily field reports
• Attend and lead weekly construction progress meetings; prepare and distribute minutes and action items
• Maintain organized project files, photo documentation, and correspondence logs
• Serve as primary point of contact between owner, contractor, and design team in the field

What We Are Looking For

• 15+ years of construction management experience on complex facilities or infrastructure programs
• Demonstrated experience as on-site owner's representative or construction manager on projects of comparable scale and complexity
• Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, scheduling, and contract management
• Ability to read and interpret multi-discipline construction drawings and specifications
• Familiarity with construction quality control, testing and inspection, and punch list management
• Experience managing RFI and submittal processes in the field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to represent the owner confidently with contractors and design teams
• Proficient in project management and field documentation tools
• OSHA 30 certification required

And If You Bring This — Even Better

• CCM (Certified Construction Manager) or PMP a plus
• Local knowledge of Albany, NY construction market and subcontractor community preferred
• Experience with research facilities, accelerator facilities, or technically complex infrastructure is a strong plus

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 150,000/year - 195,000/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.