Test Hardware Design Engineer

X-energy; Rockville, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

X-energy in Rockville, MD is seeking a mechanical engineer to design and analyze mechanical concepts for SSCs used in nuclear products with a strong emphasis on safety and code compliance. You will develop CAD models, perform calculations, and write comprehensive design documentation to ensure robust, verifiable designs.

You will also support qualification activities, maintain design records, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across cross-functional teams to meet project goals in a

Qualifications

• Typically, three years of experience in an engineering role.
• Experience with design and development of mechanical systems for nuclear applications is preferred.
• Knowledge of ASME BPV Code, and related industry standards is expected.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical/physical concepts and designs for SSCs in nuclear products and facilities.
• Create CAD models and maintain engineering drawings; support manufacturing and testing.
• Perform hand calculations and analytical studies to verify design and safety criteria.
• Write design documentation, design basis, calculations, and technical reports.
• Lead verification and validation plans for analytical tools and support tool qualification.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Engineering hand calculations

Analytical thinking

Project coordination

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Nuclear safety awareness

MATLAB/Python data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering (preferred/optional in lieu of experience)

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

Tools

CAD

PLM software

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

* 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.* 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.* Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.* Perform other duties as assigned by manager.* Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an accredited institution 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.* Proficiency with engineering hand calculations is required.* Use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software.* Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight.* 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.* Designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.* Professional experience in commercial nuclear power as well as design, qualification, licensing, and construction to ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section III and/or Section VIII.* Experience using hand-tools and handling equipment to assemble mechanical systems or components.* Experience designing and developing specialized test setups, tooling, and handling equipment for evaluating mechanical system or component performance.* Familiarization with metrology techniques for inspection of components, performing fit checks, and troubleshooting mechanical issues.* Familiarization with selection and use of instrumentation for testing and characterizing performance of electro-mechanical systems and components.* Experience working in hazardous industrial or manufacturing environments with prior training in areas such as: Pressurized or Stored Energy, High/Low Voltage Safety, Lockout/Tagout, Hoist/Rigging Operations, Machining, Hazard Awareness, etc...* Proficiency with data analysis software (MATLAB, python, or similar) for processing experimental data.* Experience with data acquisition systems (LabVIEW or similar) and test instrumentation.* Experience with prototype development and experimental testing in R&D or laboratory environments.* 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 design of heat exchangers, boilers, or steam generators.* Experience with Mechanical Process Equipment (Piping, Ducting, HVAC, Fire Suppression, Pumps, Pressure Vessels, Valves, Structural Supports) selection, sizing, and specification development.* Experience with design of control, gate, globe, ball, or check valves for high-pressure and high-temperature fluid or gas applications.* Experience with procurement and manufacturing oversight of pressure vessel or large metallic components.* Hands-on experience with graphite or other non-metallic components, fabrication or assembly sequencing, and/or tooling development.* Experience designing and executing vibration, shock, and modal test programs to qualify mechanical components for high-reliability applications.- Level Tasks/Responsibilities* 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.- Level Tasks/Responsibilities* 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,