Chemical Engineer

X-energy•Rockville, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

X-energy LLC is hiring a mid-level Chemical Engineer to join its team. This position is responsible for supporting the design implementation and optimization of chemical processes and systems used in the production of materials and products. The role works cross-functionally with project leadership and other engineering disciplines to deliver on defined project objectives. The focus of this engineering role is on thermal-hydraulic and process systems engineering for High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). Responsibilities include the modeling, analysis, and integration of chemical, mechanical, and thermal systems. The position applies a chemical engineering background in nuclear applications, with particular emphasis on thermal-fluid modeling tools (e.g., ASPEN, COMSOL), high-temperature materials behavior, and reactor systems integration. This role supports the full lifecycle of HTGR systems and components, from design and analysis to qualification.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related degree from an accredited institution.
Typically, five years of experience in a chemical engineering role.
Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
Knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA).

Nice To Haves

Experience working in the nuclear industry.

Responsibilities

Collaborate in the planning, scheduling, and execution of engineering tasks across multiple phases of HTGR system development.
Provide technical oversight and direction to internal and external design teams, ensuring adherence to project objectives and quality standards.
Lead and participate in reviews and presentations for internal and customer design evaluations, focusing on chemical and thermal-hydraulic system performance.
Translate customer needs into functional requirements, contributing to the definition and validation of chemical engineering specifications and interface documents.
Organize and coordinate efforts between chemical engineering, systems engineering, nuclear design, and external stakeholders, including suppliers and contractors.
Maintain professional conduct in all forms of communication and project engagement.
Develop and validate thermal-hydraulic models for HTGR cores, secondary systems, and balance-of-plant using advanced simulation tools such as ASPEN, COMSOL, and other process modeling platforms.
Conduct system-level heat and mass balance analyses for steady-state and transient operating conditions, including load-following and accident scenarios.
Integrate chemical engineering principles into HTGR plant design, covering helium Brayton and Rankine cycles, heat exchanger networks, hydrogen production, tritium control, and off-gas systems.
Evaluate high-temperature material behavior—including oxidation, corrosion, and creep—for alloys, graphite, and reactor-grade materials under HTGR-relevant conditions.
Support the specification, sizing, and performance evaluation of key system components such as recuperators, compressors, turbomachinery, and helium circulators.
Execute or review CFD and FEA analyses to support component-level assessments of flow distribution, thermal gradients, and structural integrity.
Contribute to plant operational strategies including control schemes, startup/shutdown procedures, and accident mitigation approaches.
Support licensing and QA efforts through preparation of technical reports, engineering calculations, and safety analyses in compliance with NRC and ASME standards.
Lead or mentor small engineering teams in solving complex design and integration challenges within HTGR systems.
Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
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.
Perform other duties as assigned by manager.