Chemical Engineer

X-energy; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Medical/Dental/Vision

PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

X Energy, LLC in Gaithersburg, MD seeks a mid-level Chemical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and optimization of HTGR chemical and thermal-hydraulic systems. You will model and validate processes, heat transfer, and material behavior using ASPEN, COMSOL, and related tools while coordinating with project leadership and engineering teams.

The role emphasizes integration of helium Brayton and Rankine cycles, high-temperature materials, and safety compliance with NRC/ASME standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related field from an accredited institution.
• Typically, five years of experience in a chemical engineering role.
• A master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• A Ph.D. may substitute for three years of experience.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Knowledge of OSHA and EPA safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate across phases of HTGR system development and planning.
• Provide technical oversight to design teams and ensure project objectives.
• Lead reviews and presentations for design evaluations focusing on chemical and thermal-hydraulic performance.
• Translate customer needs into functional requirements and interface documents.
• Organize efforts across chemical, systems, and nuclear design teams and external stakeholders.
• Develop and validate thermal-hydraulic models for HTGR cores and balance-of-plant.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Thermal-hydraulic analysis

CFD/FEA knowledge

Process modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering

Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years experience

Ph.D. may substitute for 3 years experience

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

ChemCAD

COMSOL

Job description

Job Description

X-energy LLC is hiring a mid-level Chemical Engineer to join its team. This position is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and optimization of chemical processes and systems used in the production of materials and products. The role works cross-functionally with project leadership and other engineering disciplines to deliver on defined project objectives. The focus of this engineering role is on thermal-hydraulic and process systems engineering for High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). Responsibilities include the modeling, analysis, and integration of chemical, mechanical, and thermal systems. The position applies a chemical engineering background in nuclear applications, with particular emphasis on thermal-fluid modeling tools (e.g., ASPEN, COMSOL), high-temperature materials behavior, and reactor systems integration. This role supports the full lifecycle of HTGR systems and components, from design and analysis to qualification.

Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate in the planning, scheduling, and execution of engineering tasks across multiple phases of HTGR system development.
• Provide technical oversight and direction to internal and external design teams, ensuring adherence to project objectives and quality standards.
• Lead and participate in reviews and presentations for internal and customer design evaluations, focusing on chemical and thermal-hydraulic system performance.
• Translate customer needs into functional requirements, contributing to the definition and validation of chemical engineering specifications and interface documents.
• Organize and coordinate efforts between chemical engineering, systems engineering, nuclear design, and external stakeholders, including suppliers and contractors.
• Maintain professional conduct in all forms of communication and project engagement.
• Develop and validate thermal-hydraulic models for HTGR cores, secondary systems, and balance-of-plant using advanced simulation tools such as ASPEN, COMSOL, and other process modeling platforms.
• Conduct system-level heat and mass balance analyses for steady-state and transient operating conditions, including load-following and accident scenarios.
• Integrate chemical engineering principles into HTGR plant design, covering helium Brayton and Rankine cycles, heat exchanger networks, hydrogen production, tritium control, and off-gas systems.
• Evaluate high-temperature material behavior—including oxidation, corrosion, and creep—for alloys, graphite, and reactor-grade materials under HTGR-relevant conditions.
• Support the specification, sizing, and performance evaluation of key system components such as recuperators, compressors, turbomachinery, and helium circulators.
• Execute or review CFD and FEA analyses to support component-level assessments of flow distribution, thermal gradients, and structural integrity.
• Contribute to plant operational strategies including control schemes, startup/shutdown procedures, and accident mitigation approaches.
• Support licensing and QA efforts through preparation of technical reports, engineering calculations, and safety analyses in compliance with NRC and ASME standards.
• Lead or mentor small engineering teams in solving complex design and integration challenges within HTGR systems.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
• Execute the core tasks and responsibilities, listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, with minimal supervision.
• Provide ownership, responsibility, and accountability over technical scope involving the coordination of multiple individual contributors working in a specific area.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related degree from an accredited institution.
• Typically, five years of experience in a chemical engineering role.
• A master’s degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
• A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
• Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in the nuclear industry.

Location: 9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg MD

Work Site Expectations: 4 days a week in office

Travel Expectations: Up to 10% as needed

Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday

Compensation

As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.

Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual’s qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:

$100,000- $140,000

Position Job Classification

Full time - Exempt

• 401K plan with an employer match
• Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.

Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)

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