Principal Materials Engineer (Metallics) - Advanced Nuclear Technology

X-energy; Rockville, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

X-energy is seeking a Level III/IV Materials Engineer to perform engineering analyses and qualification activities for materials used in X-energy reactors, focusing on metallic alloys, graphite, and welding materials under high-temperature conditions.

The role involves developing testing strategies, selecting materials and standards, and contributing to data-driven material models and lifecycle assessments in a nuclear context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials engineering or related field from an accredited institution.
• Master's or PhD may substitute for years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methodologies to qualify and characterize materials for nuclear reactor applications and high-temperature environments.
• Support selection of materials, test methods, codes, standards, and prepare material specifications.
• Use engineering tools and calculations to assess microscale behavior, degradation, and lifetime performance of metals.
• Perform metallurgical analyses for alloys used in reactor components, including pressure vessels and piping.
• Generate constitutive material models and support structural integrity evaluations.

Skills

Metallurgical analysis

Metallic alloys behavior

Irradiation effects

Thermodynamic modeling

Mechanical testing

Materials characterization

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials engineering

Master's degree in engineering (advantage)

PhD in engineering (advantage)

Tools

Thermo-Calc

Pandat

CALPHAD

Job description

*X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page,* *. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at* *.***Job Description**This role is responsible for performing engineering tasks associated with selecting, qualifying, and conducting lifetime assessment analyses for materials in a nuclear reactor or nuclear facility.**Job 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 Qualifications:****Level III*** Bachelor's degree in materials engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., chemical, nuclear, mechanical etc.) from an accredited institution.+ 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.* Typically, 5 years of experience in an engineering role required.* Experience with metallurgical analysis and strong familiarity with metallic alloy material behavior* 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.**Level IV*** Bachelor's degree in materials engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., chemical, nuclear, mechanical etc.) from an accredited institution.+ 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.* Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.* Experience with metallurgical analysis and strong familiarity with metallic alloy material behavior* 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 judgment.* 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.* Shares knowledge related to industry best practices and standards with others across the team.**Preferred Skills:****What Makes You a Great Fit:**· Strong background in neutron irradiation effects on metals and alloys· Experience with metallic alloy degradation mechanisms (SRC, SCC, irradiation damage, creep, fatigue)· Ability to characterize complex gas-metal and irradiation interactions in reactor environments· Proficiency in thermodynamic modeling (e.g., Thermo-Calc, Pandat, CALPHAD, or similar)· Knowledge of alloys and materials used in nuclear power systems**Hands-On Skills:**· Mechanical testing of irradiated and non-irradiated metals (tensile, creep, fatigue, fracture toughness)· Materials characterization: SEM, fractography, compositional analysis (EDS/WDS), EBSD, metallography· Experience with test instrumentation, control systems, and data analysis· Metallographic sample preparation and microscopy**What Sets You Apart:**· Experience with high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) or Generation IV reactor concepts· Background in reactor materials surveillance programs or long-term degradation assessment· Exposure to nuclear licensing or regulatory interactions· Publication record demonstrating thought leadership in nuclear materials**Location:**9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD**Work Site Expectations:**5 days in office**Travel Expectations:**Up to 40%**Hours:**Standard office hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm ET, 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