Structural Analysis Engineer, Metallics

X-energy; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

X-energy is seeking experienced engineers to design and develop mechanical systems, structures, and components for nuclear reactors. You will evaluate concepts, perform SSC analyses, and ensure compliance with technical specifications through production, prototyping, testing, and commissioning.

Responsibilities include using FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS) and hand calculations to assess structural, thermal, and hydraulic aspects, and documenting design basis and calculations per procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field is required.
• Level II: ~2 years of engineering experience; Level III: ~5 years; Level IV: ~10 years; Level V: ~15 years.
• Master’s or Ph.D. may substitute for years of experience.
• Experience in Structural Analysis using hand calculations and FEA software is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis for reactors, including pressure vessels, piping, internals, fuel, and high-temperature materials.
• Use FEA tools and hand calculations to assess stress, deformation, degradation, and lifetime performance.
• Develop SSC concepts and support design through prototyping, testing, and qualification.
• Coordinate requirements, interfaces, design basis, and industry codes with stakeholders.
• Prepare design documentation and Verification & Validation plans.

Skills

Structural analysis

Engineering judgment

Communication of technical concepts

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Master’s degree in engineering (in lieu of experience)

Ph.D. in engineering (in lieu of experience)

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

NASTRAN

FEMAP

CAESAR

ROHR

LS-DYNA

PIPESTRESS

Job description

X-energy is growing our Structural Analysis team. We are looking for experienced engineers 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

• Perform and assist structural analysis for systems, structures, and components of X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, nuclear fuel, and high temperature materials such as graphite.
• Use engineering tools, including finite element analysis (FEA) simulation software, hand calculations, and engineering judgment, to assess stress, deformation, degradation behavior, and lifetime mechanical performance of these nuclear reactor components.
• 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.
• 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.

Job Profile Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an accredited institution required.
• Level II: Typically, two years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level III: Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level IV: Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level V: 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.
• Experience in Structural Analysis to include analytical experience with structural analysis hand calculations and structural FEA software programs (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, NASTRAN, FEMAP, CAESAR, ROHR, LS-DYNA, PIPESTRESS).

Location: 9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD

Work Site Expectations: 4 days in office

Travel Expectations: Up to 10% as needed