Chief of Staff

Location: Palo Alto, CA

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 looking for a Chief of Staff to work closely with executive leadership to help translate xLight's strategic priorities into action. This role will operate at the intersection of strategy, execution, and organizational effectiveness, helping leadership focus on the highest-impact priorities while ensuring alignment across teams. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, analytical, and resourceful problem solver who can navigate ambiguity, bring structure to complex challenges, and drive important initiatives forward in a rapidly growing technology company.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with executive leadership to translate company strategy into clear priorities, objectives, and actionable plans.
• Track key company goals, milestones, deliverables, and performance indicators to maintain visibility into progress and identify potential risks.
• Prepare executive briefings, leadership presentations, meeting materials, and decision documents.
• Facilitate leadership meetings, establish clear agendas, document decisions, and ensure follow-through on commitments.
• Coordinate across functions to resolve issues, manage dependencies, and keep critical initiatives on track.
• Conduct research and analysis to support strategic planning, business decisions, and new opportunities.
• Support the development and communication of company-wide priorities, initiatives, and organizational updates.
• Help leadership evaluate competing priorities, allocate resources, and make informed decisions.
• Manage sensitive information with discretion and exercise sound judgment when handling confidential business matters.
• Identify opportunities to leverage data, technology, and AI tools to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, Economics, or related fields.
• 15+ years of experience in strategy, business operations, management consulting, program management, corporate development, including prior experience as a Chief of Staff.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level presentations and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight timelines.
• Strong business judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and work effectively across different functions and levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to quickly understand complex technologies and engineering challenges.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into clear business insights, decisions, and action plans.

And If You Bring This — Even Better

• MBA or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working directly with a CEO, executive team, or senior leadership.
• Experience in a high-growth startup, deep-tech, semiconductor, hardware, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, business operations, or a chief of staff role.
• Familiarity with engineering-led organizations and complex technical products.
• Experience establishing company operating rhythms, OKRs, KPI dashboards, and executive reporting processes.
• Experience supporting organizational design, change management, or company-wide transformation initiatives.
• Strong financial and operational modeling skills.
• Experience using AI tools and automation to improve business processes and productivity.

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 230,000/year-265,000/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.