Process Engineer VI - Nuclear Waste Management

X-energy; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 213,000 - 236,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

X Energy, LLC in Oak Ridge seeks an experienced Nuclear Waste Management Engineer to design and implement innovative waste management solutions across TRISO fuel fabrication, ensuring environmental compliance and optimized production. You will guide reduction, recycling, disposal, and material recovery while maintaining safety and efficiency.

The role involves scaling lab processes to pilot and production levels, coordinating with R&D and regulatory teams, and developing robust procedures for

Qualifications

• Typically, twenty years of experience in an engineering role.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, material science, material science engineering, mechanical engineering, or another related field.
• A master’s degree in engineering or related field may be in lieu of two years of experience.
• A Ph.D. in engineering or related field 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.
• CAD and P&I experience preferred.
• Professional certification(s) in hazardous waste management preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis and waste management software tools.
• Familiarity with DOT regulations for shipping radioactive and hazardous waste.
• Experience with modeling software for waste management systems preferred.
• Knowledge of environmental impact assessment methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• A proactive and innovative mindset, capable of anticipating and navigating challenges in waste management.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a team of process engineers responsible for uranium recovery operations and various waste streams.
• Design, procure, install, and operate multiple process areas including TRISO layer application and graphite matrix production.
• Develop specifications for process equipment and coordinate with suppliers.
• Work with subcontractors to design, construct, deliver, and install equipment.
• Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes.
• Plan equipment layouts for new processes and products.
• Translate lab-scale processes to pilot and production scale with R&D.
• Ensure safety procedures and controls for dangerous chemicals and equipment.
• Comply with environmental and safety regulations, and support waste permitting.
• Test and monitor process performance and troubleshoot manufacturing variances.
• Maintain master lists of chemical inputs/outputs and equipment across process areas.
• Maintain professional demeanor in all communications and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Autonomous work style

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

CAD

P&ID

Waste modeling software

Data analysis software

Job description

Job Description

Our Nuclear Waste Management Engineer plays a critical role in designing and implementing innovative waste management solutions that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability within our Triso fuel fabrication plant. Your expertise will guide our initiatives in waste reduction, recycling, disposal and material recovery, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while optimizing operational efficiency.

They will also conduct research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing, conduct tests and monitor production performance, troubleshoot manufacturing performance variances, and ensure safety compliance of processes and equipment for various assigned areas.

Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities:

Contribute to a team of process engineers that are responsible for uranium recovery operations, uranium waste, radioactive waste, industrial waste, waste reduction, waste processing

Perform engineering work related to the design, procurement, installation, and operation of multiple process areas, as assigned, including but not limited to: ADUN production, organic solution preparation, solution-gelation, solvent washing, particle drying, TRISO layer application, graphite matrix production, overcoating, fuel core pressing, green pebble pressing, compact pressing, shaping, heat treatment, quality control, industrial waste processing, radioactive waste processing, and uranium recovery.

• Perform engineering work related to the design, procurement, installation, and operation of multiple process areas, as assigned, including but not limited to: ADUN production, organic solution preparation, solution-gelation, solvent washing, particle drying, TRISO layer application, graphite matrix production, overcoating, fuel core pressing, green pebble pressing, compact pressing, shaping, heat treatment, quality control, industrial waste processing, radioactive waste processing, and uranium recovery.
• Develop specifications for process equipment and work with equipment suppliers to ensure critical design characteristics are met for equipment delivery
• Work with subcontractors and suppliers to design, construct, deliver, and install process equipment.
• Conduct research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing.
• Develop methods and procedures to process and handle chemicals and materials that are solid, liquid, and gaseous in safe and efficient manner.
• Design and plan equipment layout, particularly for new processes, new products, or new customers.
• Work with R&D team to translate lab-scale processes to pilot scale and production scale processes.
• Work with regulatory team to establish safety procedures for individuals working with dangerous chemicals, processes, or equipment.
• Work with regulatory team to establish appropriate safety controls in process areas.
• Work with regulatory team to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Provide support for waste permitting.
• Conduct tests and monitor process performance throughout production.
• Troubleshoot problems associated with manufacturing processes. Monitor variances from process controls. Provide recommendations and solutions to reduce or to eliminate variances.
• Continually update a master list of all chemical inputs, chemical outputs, and waste streams.
• Continually update a master list of all equipment in all process areas.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Job Profile Minimum Qualifications:

Typically, twenty years of experience in an engineering role.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, material science, material science engineering, mechanical engineering, or another related field. 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.

CAD and P&I experience preferred.

Professional certification(s) in hazardous waste management preferred.

Proficiency in data analysis and waste management software tools.

Familiarity with DOT regulations for shipping radioactive and hazardous waste.

Experience with modeling software for waste management systems preferred.

Knowledge of environmental impact assessment methodologies.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.

Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.

A proactive and innovative mindset, capable of anticipating and navigating challenges in waste management.

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:

$212,500 -$236.250

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: If you have the right to work, don’t let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)

E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish