Mechanical Design Engineer

X-energy • Houston, TX

6d • $95,000 - $170,000 • Onsite

About The Position

X-energy is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join its Mechanical Engineering team and support development of the Xe-100. The role engineers the design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components, potentially including Reactor Internal Structures, the Steam Generator System, the Helium Circulator System, Graphite Core Components, the Reactor Cavity Cooling System, and Nuclear Auxiliary Systems. Work includes developing and evaluating concepts; analyzing systems, structures, and components (SSCs) to determine whether they perform their intended functions; and ensuring designs satisfy technical specifications and requirements. The role supports development through production, including prototyping, testing, and commissioning as needed.

The position coordinates design work across engineering team members, partners, and suppliers; performs calculations and analyses; creates and maintains CAD models; and prepares engineering documentation. It also supports manufacturability, assembly, integration, verification and validation, design and configuration management, and quality assurance. The posting describes levels II through V, with expectations ranging from supporting work under guided supervision to leading technical work and mentoring others.

The role is based at 9801 Washingtonian Boulevard in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with an expectation of 4–5 days in the office and travel up to 10% as needed. The standard schedule is 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. It is full-time and exempt. Advertised base salary ranges are $95,000–$120,000 for Level II, $115,000–$140,000 for Level III, and $140,000–$170,000 for Level IV.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency with engineering hand calculations.
• Experience designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.
• At least one year of demonstrated hands-on experience developing and delivering hardware or manufacturing processes in a production environment; qualifying experience may include an industry internship, hobby, or collegiate engineering project.
• Hardware ownership, including manufacturing and testing oversight.
• Experience using CAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) software, such as UG/NX, Solidworks, Pro-Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar.
• For Level II, typically three years of engineering-role experience; a relevant master’s degree may substitute for two years, and a relevant Ph.D. may substitute for three years.
• For Level III, typically five years of engineering-role experience; a relevant master’s degree may substitute for two years, and a relevant Ph.D. may substitute for three years.
• For Level IV, typically ten years of engineering-role experience; a relevant master’s degree may substitute for two years, and a relevant Ph.D. may substitute for three years.
• For Level V, typically fifteen years of engineering-role experience; a relevant master’s degree may substitute for two years, and a relevant Ph.D. may substitute for three years. Previous X-energy experience exceeding performance standards may substitute for years of experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with commercial nuclear power plant operations.
• Professional experience in commercial nuclear power, including design, qualification, licensing, and construction to ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section III and/or Section VIII.
• Experience with NRC regulations and licensing requirements for safety-related systems.
• Experience designing to ASME BPV Code, ASME B31.1 or B31.3, and other industry standards.
• Experience selecting, sizing, and developing specifications for mechanical process equipment such as piping, ducting, HVAC, fire suppression, pumps, pressure vessels, valves, and structural supports.
• Hands-on experience with graphite or other non-metallic components, fabrication or assembly sequencing, and/or tooling development.
• Experience with procurement and manufacturing oversight of pressure vessels or large metallic components.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical and physical concepts and support processes to create or identify SSCs for nuclear products or facilities, with a focus on nuclear safety.
• Identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design bases, and criteria in coordination with stakeholders and systems engineers; support identification of applicable codes and standards under project and systems engineering guidance.
• Plan and perform analyses to assess whether SSCs can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.
• Perform hand calculations and use analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as directed.
• Develop mechanical solutions and designs for X-energy reactor technologies, 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 scoping and sizing calculations to help select design features that meet requirements using consensus codes and standards.
• Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of reactor SSCs.
• Support assessment of SSC manufacturability, assembly, and integration considerations as directed.
• Develop design documentation, including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings, in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Develop verification and validation plans for analytical tools and support qualification of the toolset.
• Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management.
• Provide independent and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior in communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.
• At Level II, support execution of core tasks under guided supervision and coordinate with team members, partners, and suppliers to facilitate design convergence, closure, assurance, and delivery of quality work products.
• At Level III, execute core tasks with minimal supervision and take ownership and accountability for technical scope involving multiple contributors.
• At Level IV, lead core tasks with limited supervision and some independent judgment, guide junior team members, and lead small engineering groups in delivering complex work on time and within budget.
• At Level V, lead core tasks with extensive independent judgment, mentor junior team members, and stay informed about industry and academic developments and best practices.

Benefits

• 401K plan with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development policy supporting continuing education

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level