Principal Materials Engineer (Metallics) - Advanced Nuclear Technology

X-energy • Rockville, MD

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for performing engineering tasks associated with selecting, qualifying, and conducting lifetime assessment analyses for materials in a nuclear reactor or nuclear facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., chemical, nuclear, mechanical etc.) from an accredited institution.
• 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.
• Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Experience with metallurgical analysis and strong familiarity with metallic alloy material behavior
• Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities, listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and some latitude for independent judgment.
• Provide feedback and guidance to more junior team members with the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document.
• Shares knowledge related to industry best practices and standards with others across the team.

Nice To Haves

• Strong background in neutron irradiation effects on metals and alloys
• Experience with metallic alloy degradation mechanisms (SRC, SCC, irradiation damage, creep, fatigue)
• Ability to characterize complex gas-metal and irradiation interactions in reactor environments
• Proficiency in thermodynamic modeling (e.g., Thermo-Calc, Pandat, CALPHAD, or similar)
• Knowledge of alloys and materials used in nuclear power systems
• Mechanical testing of irradiated and non-irradiated metals (tensile, creep, fatigue, fracture toughness)
• Materials characterization: SEM, fractography, compositional analysis (EDS/WDS), EBSD, metallography
• Experience with test instrumentation, control systems, and data analysis
• Metallographic sample preparation and microscopy
• Experience with high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) or Generation IV reactor concepts
• Background in reactor materials surveillance programs or long-term degradation assessment
• Exposure to nuclear licensing or regulatory interactions
• Publication record demonstrating thought leadership in nuclear materials

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methodologies to qualify and characterize materials, especially metallic alloys, graphite, composites, and welding materials for nuclear reactor applications including in high temperature environments.
• Support selection of appropriate materials, test methods, codes and standards, and prepare material specifications for component procurement.
• Inform development of and assist in oversight of materials testing programs to collect material properties and establish basis for material qualifications.
• Use engineering tools, including appropriate simulation software, hand calculations, and engineering judgment, assess microscale behavior, grain boundaries, surface effects, degradation behavior (corrosion, oxidation kinetics, neutron damage, etc.), and lifetime performance of materials.
• Perform and assist metallurgical analysis for the alloys selected for metallic systems, structures, and components of X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, heat exchangers, and other systems and components.
• Collect and use data to support the generation of constitutive material models and perform and assist structural integrity, creep-fatigue, and strain evaluations for metals at high temperatures.
• Support the assessment of SSCs for response to environmental conditions at the direction of project leads.
• Consider effects of tribology and material property evolution on system and component design as a function of temperature and environment.
• Write and develop design and analysis documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures, as well as industry publications and engagement in professional forums.
• Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolsets.
• 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.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Benefits

• a 401K plan with an employer match
• Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees