Mechanical Design Engineer

X-Energy•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

X-energy is seeking Mechanical Design Engineers to join its Mechanical Engineering team and support development of the Xe-100. The role is responsible for engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components, which may include Reactor Internal Structures, the Steam Generator System, the Helium Circulator System, Graphite Core Components, the Reactor Cavity Cooling System, or Nuclear Auxiliary Systems. Work spans concept development and evaluation, analysis of systems and components to confirm they can perform their intended functions, and ensuring designs meet technical specifications and requirements. The role supports development through production, including prototyping, testing, and commissioning where necessary. The position involves developing mechanical concepts and solutions, documenting design bases and requirements, performing calculations and analyses, creating and maintaining CAD models, and coordinating design activities with engineering teammates, partners, and suppliers. The engineer also supports manufacturability, assembly, and integration assessments; prepares engineering documentation; develops verification and validation plans for analytical tools; follows quality and configuration-management procedures; and reviews engineering deliverables. The position is based at 9801 Washingtonian Boulevard, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Work-site expectations are 4–5 days in the office, with travel up to 10% as needed. The standard office schedule is 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. The role is full-time and exempt. The posting describes qualifications and responsibilities at Levels II through V.

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; this may include industry internship experience, hobbies, or collegiate engineering projects.
Hardware ownership, including manufacturing and testing oversight.
Experience using computer-aided design (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 master’s degree may substitute for two years and a Ph.D. may substitute for three years.
For Level III, typically five years of engineering-role experience; a master’s degree may substitute for two years and a Ph.D. may substitute for three years.
For Level IV, typically ten years of engineering-role experience; a master’s degree may substitute for two years and a Ph.D. may substitute for three years.
For Level V, typically fifteen years of engineering-role experience; a master’s degree may substitute for two years and a Ph.D. may substitute for three years. Prior 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 development of processes for structures, systems, and components (SSCs) used in 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 industry codes and standards under project-lead and systems-engineer guidance.
Plan and perform analyses to assess SSCs and confirm they 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 required.
Develop mechanical solutions and designs for X-energy 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 scoping and sizing calculations to help select design features in accordance with design requirements, consensus codes, and standards.
Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of reactor SSCs.
Support assessments of SSC manufacturability, assembly, and integration considerations.
Write and 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.
At Level II, support team members with core tasks under guided supervision and coordinate with engineering team members, partners, and suppliers to support design closure, design assurance, and high-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, guide junior team members, and lead small engineering groups in solving complex technical problems and delivering work on time and within budget.
At Level V, lead core tasks with extensive latitude for independent judgment, teach and mentor junior team members, and stay current with industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices.
Maintain professional demeanor and behavior in all forms of communication.
Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.