Senior Structural Engineer

Senior Structural 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 Structural Engineer to serve as the structural subject matter expert on a large-scale, technically complex campus infrastructure and accelerator facility program. Seismic design and accelerator equipment mounting and anchorage are critical elements of this project — the right candidate brings deep expertise in both and can independently evaluate structural designs for precision scientific equipment installations. This is a hands-on engineering role requiring the ability to critically review designs, evaluate field conditions, and provide authoritative technical guidance to the design and construction teams.

What You Will Do

Primary responsibilities:

Lead structural design reviews at all milestones (30%, 60%, 90%, IFC) including foundations, framing, shielding walls, and equipment support structures

Review and resolve structural submittals, RFIs, and change order requests with technical rigor

Evaluate seismic design for the facility and all major equipment — seismic anchorage, bracing, and restraint of accelerator components, cryogenic systems, and precision instrumentation

Review accelerator equipment mounting and support structures for compliance with vibration, tolerance, and alignment requirements

Assess in-house equipment mounting designs and anchorage details for scientific and accelerator hardware

Review heavy equipment foundations, crane runway structures, and overhead lifting systems

Evaluate vibration and settlement criteria for precision equipment and accelerator beamline systems

Assess shielding wall and radiation vault structural design for compliance with requirements

Evaluate contractor work-in-place for conformance with structural contract documents

Identify structural design gaps, coordination conflicts, and specification deficiencies

Other responsibilities:

Support concept-level structural assessments and feasibility studies

Assist with development and tracking of owner structural requirements

Identify and escalate structural risks in a timely manner

Project Coordination Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities:

Attend design and construction progress meetings as structural representative

Maintain structural submittal logs and RFI registers

Coordinate with geotechnical, civil, and MEP disciplines on interface requirements

Represent the owner in structural-related contractor and consultant meetings

Other responsibilities:

Support budget review for structural scope changes

Reporting and stakeholder communication on structural matters

What We Are Looking For

Minimum BS in Structural or Civil Engineering required

8+ years of progressive structural engineering experience on complex facilities

Experience on research facilities, industrial, or mission-critical infrastructure programs

Deep expertise in seismic design, equipment anchorage, and restraint systems per IBC, ASCE 7, and applicable standards

Experience with structural design and review for accelerator, scientific, or precision equipment mounting is a strong plus

Familiarity with vibration isolation and tolerance requirements for precision scientific installations

Proficiency in Revit and Navisworks required

Experience reviewing structural calculations and 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

Experience with accelerator facilities, national laboratories, radiation vaults, or heavy industrial structures is a strong plus

PE license preferred

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 110,000/year-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.

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.