Mechanical Design Engineer

X-Energy, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition reimbursement/Professional dev

Job summary

X-energy, LLC is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the Xe-100 development. The role covers design of reactor internals, steam systems, piping, high-temperature components and related SSCs, with emphasis on meeting safety and quality standards.

You will develop concepts, perform analyses, create CAD models, and document designs while collaborating across engineering teams and suppliers. Prototyping, testing, and commissioning are part of the responsibilities to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency with engineering hand calculations.
• Experience designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems in production environments.
• Experience with CAD/PLM software (UG/NX, SolidWorks, Pro/Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill).

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical/physical concepts and design SSCs for nuclear products with a focus on safety.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and systems engineers to gather requirements and standards.
• Perform analyses and sizing calculations to ensure designs meet technical specs.
• Create and maintain CAD models and prepare design documentation.

Skills

Mechanical design

Hand calculations

CAD software

UG/NX

SolidWorks

Pro/Engineer

Teamcenter

Windchill

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

UG/NX

SolidWorks

Pro/Engineer

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

X-energy is seeking professionals to join our Mechanical Engineering team in the role of Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of the Xe-100. This role is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components such as Reactor Internal Structures, Steam Generator System, Helium Circulator System, Graphite Core Components, Reactor Cavity Cooling System, or Nuclear Auxiliary Systems. 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.

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. Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication. Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an accredited institution required. Proficiency with engineering hand calculations is required. Experience designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components. 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. Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight. Experience in use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software (e.g UG/NX, Solidworks, Pro-Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with commercial nuclear power plant operations. Professional experience in commercial nuclear power as well as design, qualification, licensing, and construction to ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) SectionIII and/or SectionVIII. Experience with NRC regulations and licensing requirements for safety‑related systems. 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, Piping, 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 preferred. Experience with procurement and manufacturing oversight of pressure vessel or large metallic components.

Job Level Qualifications

LevelII

Support team members with the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, under guided supervision. Coordinate with engineering team members, partners, and suppliers to facilitate the convergence of efforts, allow design closure, provide design assurance, and deliver high quality engineering work products.

Level Minimum Qualifications Typically, three 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.

LevelIII

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.

LevelIV

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.

LevelV

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.

Level Minimum Qualifications Typically, fifteen 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.

Location

9801 Washingtonian Boulevard, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Work Site Expectations

4-5 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: level II: $95,000 - $120,000 level III: $115,000 - $140,000 Level IV: $140,000 - $170,000

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Posters X-energy does not discriminate in employment against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and understands its obligation to make reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental impairments that qualify as a disability under the ADA and ADAAA, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the company. It is an applicant’s or employee’s responsibility to participate in this interactive process by seeking an accommodation, assisting X-energy in reviewing accommodation alternatives and providing medical certification of the need for an accommodation. Any applicant or employee who wishes to seek an accommodation under this policy should contact the Human Resources Department via email at [e-mail]. Whether a requested accommodation would create an undue hardship will be determined based on the facts of each particular case.

E-Verify

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. (e-verify.gov)

Company Mission

X-energy is delivering the next generation of carbon-free energy by reinventing nuclear power. We believe in leaving a cleaner planet for our children and grandchildren, while continuing to provide sufficient and affordable power to sustain growing populations around the world. That is why we have reinvented nuclear power, with a unique combination of proven technologies and new innovations, to meet our current and future needs.