Senior Process Engineer

X-Energy•Oak Ridge, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role contributes to the design, installation, and operation of multiple process areas and may also serve as the responsible engineer for the design, installation and operation for a process area. They will also conduct research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing, conduct tests and monitor production performance, troubleshoot manufacturing performance variances, and ensure safety compliance of processes and equipment for various assigned areas. This role leads the execution of core tasks and responsibilities without close supervision and with complete latitude for independent judgment. The Senior Process Engineer will develop and implement long-term strategies for process improvement and optimization. In collaboration with engineering leadership, they will set technical direction at the enterprise level by developing and owning technology or discipline-specific roadmaps, best practices, and/or design criteria. They will stay abreast of industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices, and share this information with engineering leadership to determine how best to implement them at an enterprise level to improve process efficiency and product quality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, material science, material science engineering, mechanical engineering, or another related field.
CAD and P&ID experience are required.
Experience with industrial equipment design, procurement, installation, and operation is required.
Typically, twenty years of experience in an engineering role.
Extensive knowledge and experience with powder processing, graphite powder, extrusion, ceramics, chemical processing, industrial waste processing, and liquids processing.
Nuclear Experience
Chemical Processing Experience
Experience related to the manufacturing of nuclear fuel.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Perform engineering work related to the design, procurement, installation, and operation of multiple process areas, as assigned, including but not limited to: ADUN production, organic solution preparation, solution-gelation, solvent washing, particle drying, TRISO layer application, graphite matrix production, overcoating, fuel core pressing, green pebble pressing, compact pressing, shaping, heat treatment, quality control, industrial waste processing, radioactive waste processing, and uranium recovery.
Develop specifications for process equipment and work with equipment suppliers to ensure critical design characteristics are met for equipment delivery.
Work with subcontractors and suppliers to design, construct, deliver, and install process equipment.
Conduct research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing.
Develop methods and procedures to process and handle chemicals and materials that are solid, liquid, and gaseous in a safe and efficient manner.
Design and plan equipment layout, particularly for new processes, new products, or new customers.
Work with R&D team to translate lab-scale processes to pilot scale and production scale processes.
Work with regulatory team to establish safety procedures for individuals working with dangerous chemicals, processes, or equipment.
Work with regulatory team to establish appropriate safety controls in process areas.
Work with regulatory team to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Provide support for waste permitting.
Conduct tests and monitor process performance throughout production.
Troubleshoot problems associated with manufacturing processes.
Monitor variances from process controls and provide recommendations and solutions to reduce or eliminate variances.
Continually update a master list of all chemical inputs, chemical outputs, and waste streams.
Continually update a master list of all equipment in all process areas.
Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
Perform other duties as assigned by manager.
Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities, listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and complete latitude for independent judgement.
Develop and implement long-term strategies for process improvement and optimization.
In collaboration with engineering leadership, set technical direction at the enterprise level through developing and owning technology or discipline specific roadmaps, best practices, and/or design criteria.
Stay abreast of industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices, and share with engineering leadership to determine how best to implement at an enterprise level to improve process efficiency and product quality.