Subcontract Technical Manager

X-energy; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with match

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life & Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

X Energy, LLC in Oak Ridge, TN is seeking a Subcontract Technical Manager to own the subcontract technical backbone for TRISO-X fuel fabrication. You will oversee dollars, deliverables, and schedules, coordinating across engineering, quality, and procurement to align with program objectives and contract requirements.

The role emphasizes nuclear-grade standards (NQA-1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B) and constant liaison with suppliers to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with rigorous quality control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of program/project management experience, with 5+ years managing subcontracts.
• Experience in nuclear power, defense, aerospace, or regulated industries.
• PMP certification preferred; ability to obtain security clearance if required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee subcontract management and oversight, ensuring alignment with requirements.
• Monitor cost, schedule, and performance against baselines; validate progress.
• Lead vendor coordination, design reviews, and acceptance activities.
• Ensure compliance with export controls and government contract requirements.
• Maintain funding visibility, track burn, and support funding requests.

Skills

Program management

Subcontracts management

Regulatory/compliance knowledge

Negotiation & conflict resolution

Leadership & cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Earned value management (EVM)

Risk management

Budget & cost control

Contract management systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Job description

Job Description

Own the technical backbone of TRISO-X's subcontract oversight. This Subcontract Technical Manager role oversees every dollar, deliverable, and day of subcontracted work for the TRISO-X fuel fabrication — ensuring suppliers deliver to nuclear‑grade standards (NQA-1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, DOE O 414.1D) on schedule, on budget, and with the quality rigor that reactor and fuel production demands. You will be the critical technical bridge between engineering, project controls, quality, procurement, and regulatory teams and the supply base that makes our first‑of‑a‑kind missions possible, coordinating inputs across disciplines to ensure subcontracted scope integrates seamlessly with program objectives and contract requirements.

Job Profile Tasks / Responsibilities

• Subcontract Management & Oversight
  • Manage day‑to‑day oversight of subcontracted scope to ensure alignment with technical and contractual requirements.
  • Monitor cost, schedule, and performance against approved baselines and validate subcontractor progress.
  • Identify scope deviations, support change‑control actions, and maintain contractual and technical integrity.
  • Identify risks, emerging issues, and performance concerns; drive mitigation and escalation as needed.
• Vendor Coordination & Relationship Management
  • Serve as primary point of contact for assigned subcontractors throughout the contract lifecycle.
  • Facilitate effective communication between subcontractors and X‑Energy technical, quality, and project management teams.
  • Coordinate vendor kick‑off meetings, design reviews, technical exchanges, and acceptance activities.
  • Build and maintain productive working relationships with key subcontractor personnel at all organizational levels.
• Technical & Quality Oversight
  • Ensure subcontractor work meets all technical specifications, design requirements, and acceptance criteria.
  • Validate that subcontractor processes and deliverables meet quality standards and inspection readiness expectations.
  • Facilitate timely resolution of technical issues, design questions, and interface challenges.
• Compliance & Documentation
  • Ensure subcontract activities comply with all applicable federal regulations, including export control (ITAR/ECI) and government contract requirements.
  • Maintain accurate and complete subcontract files, including correspondence, technical documentation, and performance records.
  • Support internal and external audits related to subcontract management activities.
  • Ensure proper configuration management and document control for subcontractor deliverables.
• Funding Management
  • Maintain visibility into authorized funding, remaining obligation, and alignment with approved budgets.
  • Track monthly burn against funding ceilings to identify emerging shortfalls or underruns.
  • Develop forward‑looking funding forecasts to ensure adequate coverage for ongoing and planned work.
  • Support preparation of funding requests, modifications, and justifications tied to scope, schedule, or cost changes.
• 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 Engineering, Business Administration, or related technical field, required.
• 10+ years of program/project management experience, with at least 5 years managing subcontracts in a complex technical environment.
• Experience in nuclear power, defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience with decision authority for compliance and governance, strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing subcontracts valued at $5 M+ with technical, schedule, and quality complexity.
• Strong understanding of program management principles, including schedule development, cost control, and risk management.
• Working knowledge of nuclear quality assurance requirements (NQA-1) and regulatory framework (10 CFR).
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) and contract management systems.
• Experience with earned value management (EVM) and cost/schedule performance analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to engage effectively with technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and team collaboration skills in cross‑functional environments.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. government security clearance (if required).
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency may be required for certain contracts subject to export control regulations.

Location

Oak Ridge, TN

Work Site Expectations

5 days onsite

Hours

8:00 am–5:00 pm, Mon–Fri

Compensation

Salary is determined by the job requirements and is competitive within the region.

Salary range: $140,000–$165,000.

Position Job Classification

Full‑time – Exempt

Benefits

X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401 K 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 Employment Opportunity

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.

Right to Work & 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.