Subcontract Technical Manager

X-energy•Oak Ridge, TN

6d•$140,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

Own the technical backbone of TRISO-X's subcontract oversight. This Subcontract Technical Manager role oversees every dollar, deliverable, and day of subcontracted work for the TRISO-X fuel fabrication — ensuring suppliers deliver to nuclear-grade standards (NQA-1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, DOE O 414.1D) on schedule, on budget, and with the quality rigor that reactor and fuel production demands. You'll be the critical technical bridge between engineering, project controls, quality, procurement, and regulatory teams and the supply base that makes our first-of-a-kind missions possible, coordinating inputs across disciplines to ensure subcontracted scope integrates seamlessly with program objectives and contract requirements. We need a proven subcontract technical leader who thrives in high-stakes, nuclear-regulated environments: someone who has managed multi-million-dollar subcontract portfolios under NQA-1 or equivalent QA regimes, held suppliers accountable for both technical compliance and cost/schedule performance, and built the cross-functional coordination discipline required to keep complex programs on track. You'll oversee cost, schedule, and performance across all subcontracted scope — tracking deliverables, managing vendor performance through design reviews and site inspections, identifying risks before they threaten program success, and coordinating across engineering, project controls, quality, procurement, and licensing to resolve technical issues in real time. This role demands both strategic oversight (defining subcontract strategies, evaluating make/buy decisions, participating in material review boards and NCR resolution) and hands-on technical coordination (reviewing subcontractor submittals for spec compliance, conducting constructability assessments, ensuring QA/QC adherence on-site). You'll present performance to internal and external stakeholders, drive process improvements across the subcontract lifecycle, and ensure every supplier relationship strengthens — not threatens — X-energy's nuclear safety culture and mission delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related technical field, required
Typically Demonstrated by 10 plus years of program/project management experience, with at least 5 years managing subcontracts in a complex technical environment
Experience in nuclear power, defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries
Experience with decision authority for compliance and governance, strongly preferred
Demonstrated success managing subcontracts valued at $5M+ with technical, schedule, and quality complexity
Strong understanding of program management principles, including schedule development, cost control, and risk management
Working knowledge of nuclear quality assurance requirements (NQA-1) and regulatory framework (10 CFR)
Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) and contract management systems
Experience with earned value management (EVM) and cost/schedule performance analysis
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to engage effectively with technical and non-technical audiences
Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving capabilities
Demonstrated leadership and team collaboration skills in cross-functional environments
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. government security clearance (if required)
U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency may be required for certain contracts subject to export control regulations

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred

Responsibilities

Manage day‑to‑day oversight of subcontracted scope to ensure alignment with technical and contractual requirements.
Monitor cost, schedule, and performance against approved baselines and validate subcontractor progress.
Identify scope deviations, support change‑control actions, and maintain contractual and technical integrity.
Identify risks, emerging issues, and performance concerns; drive mitigation and escalation as needed.
Serve as primary point of contact for assigned subcontractors throughout the contract lifecycle.
Facilitate effective communication between subcontractors and X-energy technical, quality, and project management teams.
Coordinate vendor kick-off meetings, design reviews, technical exchanges, and acceptance activities.
Build and maintain productive working relationships with key subcontractor personnel at all organizational levels.
Ensure subcontractor work meets all technical specifications, design requirements, and acceptance criteria.
Validate that subcontractor processes and deliverables meet quality standards and inspection readiness expectations.
Facilitate timely resolution of technical issues, design questions, and interface challenges.
Ensure subcontract activities comply with all applicable federal regulations, including export control (ITAR/ECI) and government contract requirements.
Maintain accurate and complete subcontract files, including correspondence, technical documentation, and performance records.
Support internal and external audits related to subcontract management activities.
Ensure proper configuration management and document control for subcontractor deliverables.
Maintain visibility into authorized funding, remaining obligation, and alignment with approved budgets.
Track monthly burn against funding ceilings to identify emerging shortfalls or underruns.
Develop forward-looking funding forecasts to ensure adequate coverage for ongoing and planned work.
Support preparation of funding requests, modifications, and justifications tied to scope, schedule, or cost changes.
Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
Perform other duties as assigned by manager.