Materials Engineer (Irradiation, Creep, & High Temperature)

X-energy; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with employer match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Dev

Job summary

X Energy, LLC is seeking a materials engineer in Gaithersburg, MD to lead the design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components for nuclear reactors. You will evaluate concepts, analyze materials performance, and guide production from prototyping through commissioning.

The role requires a BS in materials/related engineering, 5 years’ experience (with advanced degrees substituting for years), and strong metallurgical analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, or related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Master’s or PhD can substitute for years of experience.
• Experience with metallurgical analysis and metallic alloy behavior is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methodologies to qualify and characterize materials for nuclear reactor applications.
• Support selection of materials, test methods, codes, and standards and prepare material specifications.
• Inform development of materials testing programs and establish basis for material qualifications.
• Use simulation software and calculations to assess material behavior and lifetime performance at high temperatures.
• Perform metallurgical analysis for alloys used in reactors, including pressure vessels and piping.
• Develop design and analysis documentation and verification plans.
• Provide independent reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
• Maintain professional demeanor in all communications.

Skills

Metallurgical analysis

Metallic alloy behavior

Nuclear materials knowledge

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering

Tools

Simulation software

Job description

Job Description

This role is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components. This includes concept development, evaluation of concepts, analysis of systems, structures, and components for their ability to perform their intended function, and ensuring they meet all technical specifications and requirements. The role will ensure the development of the systems and components through production including any necessary prototyping, testing, and commissioning.

Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methodologies to qualify and characterize materials, especially metallic alloys, graphite, composites, and welding materials for nuclear reactor applications including in high temperature environments.
• Support selection of appropriate materials, test methods, codes and standards, and prepare material specifications for component procurement.
• Inform development of and assist in oversight of materials testing programs to collect material properties and establish basis for material qualifications.
• Use engineering tools, including appropriate simulation software, hand calculations, and engineering judgment, assess microscale behavior, grain boundaries, surface effects, degradation behavior (corrosion, oxidation kinetics, neutron damage, etc.), and lifetime performance of materials.
• Perform and assist metallurgical analysis for the alloys selected for metallic systems, structures, and components of X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, heat exchangers, and other systems and components.
• Collect and use data to support the generation of constitutive material models and perform and assist structural integrity, creep-fatigue, and strain evaluations for metals at high temperatures.
• Support the assessment of SSCs for response to environmental conditions at the direction of project leads.
• Consider effects of tribology and material property evolution on system and component design as a function of temperature and environment.
• Write and develop design and analysis documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures, as well as industry publications and engagement in professional forums.
• Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolsets.
• 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.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Job Profile Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., chemical, nuclear, mechanical etc.) from an accredited institution.
• 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.
• Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.
• Experience with metallurgical analysis and strong familiarity with metallic alloy material behavior.

Preferred Skills

• Irradiation testing / Post-Irradiation Examination experience (a strong plus)
• Creep & high-temp mechanics
• Metallic material qualification & behavior
• Carburization/decarburization mechanisms related work experience.

Location:

9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD

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:

$110,000 - $135,000

Position Job Classification

Full time - Exempt

Benefits

X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a 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:

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E-Verify Participation Link:

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