Hardware Test Engineer

X-energy; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

X-energy seeks a test hardware design engineer to advance prototype development of nuclear auxiliary systems. You will design, prototype, test, and document mechanical SSCs, overseeing manufacturing and integration to rapidly iterate designs and reduce risk.

Responsibilities include developing concepts, performing analyses, creating CAD models, and coordinating with engineers and suppliers to meet safety and performance criteria.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field is required.
• Advanced degrees may substitute years of experience as described.
• Hands-on experience with design, manufacturing, integration and testing of mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical concepts and SSCs for nuclear products with a focus on safety.
• Coordinate requirements, interfaces and criteria with stakeholders and engineers.
• Perform structural, thermal and other analyses to meet specs.
• Create CAD models and support manufacturability and assembly considerations.
• Develop V&V plans and design documentation per procedures.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

CAD experience

PLM experience

Hardware ownership

Prototyping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

Ph.D. in engineering

Tools

CAD software

PLM software

Job description

X-Energy is seeking a test hardware design engineer to join our nuclear auxiliary systems prototype development team. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing, manufacturing, integrating, and testing mechanical systems, assemblies, and components. This role is responsible for the engineering design, integration, and commissioning of specialized testbeds, test setups, tooling, and handling equipment used for testing prototype designs to reduce risk and advance technology readiness level (TRL). You will provide oversight for manufacturing, integration, and testing activities, and play a key role in evaluating prototype performance to facilitate rapid iteration of the design, build, and testing process.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or identify structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for use in nuclear products or facilities with a focus on nuclear safety.
• Identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis and criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders/systems engineers and support identifying applicable industry codes and standards and the direction of project leads and systems engineers.
• Planning and performing the analysis required to assess aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.
• Perform computations utilizing hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as required at the direction of project leads and systems engineers to ensure SSCs can meet technical requirements.
• Develop innovative mechanical solutions to refine and deploy concepts, technologies, and designs associated with X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, nuclear fuel, and high temperature materials such as graphite.
• Integrate design activities across engineering team members, partners, and suppliers and perform supporting scoping and sizing calculations to downselect design features to meet design requirements using guidance from consensus codes and standards.
• Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of reactor SSCs.
• Support the assessment of SSCs for manufacturability as well as assembly and integration considerations at the direction of project leads.
• Write and develop design documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolset.
• Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are met.
• Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
• Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and extensive latitude for independent judgement.
• Teach and mentor more junior team members.
• Stay abreast of industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an accredited institution required.
• 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 engineering hand calculations is required.
• Use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software.
• Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight.
• One plus years of demonstrated hands-on experience developing and delivering hardware or manufacturing processes in a production environment is required. May include industry internship experience, hobby, or participation in collegiate engineering projects such as: Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, Rocket Club, etc.
• Designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.

Preferred Skills

• Professional experience in commercial nuclear power as well as design, qualification, licensing, and construction to ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section III and/or Section VIII.
• Experience using hand-tools and handling equipment to assemble mechanical systems or components.
• Experience designing and developing specialized test setups, tooling, and handling equipment for evaluating mechanical system or component performance.
• Familiarization with selection and use of instrumentation for testing and characterizing performance of electro-mechanical systems and components.
• Experience with design using ASME BPV Code, ASME B31.1 or B31.3, and other industry standards.
• Experience with Mechanical Process Equipment (Piping, Ducting, HVAC, Fire Suppression, Pumps, Pressure Vessels, Valves, Structural Supports) selection, sizing, and specification development.
• Hands-on experience with graphite or other non-metallic components, fabrication or assembly sequencing, and/or tooling development.
• Experience designing and executing vibration, shock, and modal test programs to qualify mechanical components for high-reliability applications.

Job Level Qualifications:

• Level III
• 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.
• Level Minimum Qualifications
• Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
• 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.
• Level IV
• Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and some latitude for independent judgement.
• Provide feedback and guidance to more junior team members with the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document.
• Lead small groups of engineers to solve complex technical problems and deliver high quality engineering work products on time and within budget.
• Level Minimum Qualifications
• Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
• 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.

Location:

9801 Washingtonian Boulevard, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Work Site Expectations:

4 days in office

Travel Expectations:

up to 10% as needed

Hours:

Standard office schedule are 8:00am-5:00pm ET, Mon-Fri

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:

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.

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