Mechanical Engineer (Graphite Assembly)

Company: X-Energy, LLC
Location: Rockville
Posted on: January 30, 2025

Job Description:

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/ . We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us .

Job Description
X-energy is looking for experienced professionals to interview with our Xe-100 Systems Development team for the position of Mechanical Engineer (Graphite Assembly). This role is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components of the Xe-100 Main Power Systems (MPS, includes Reactor System, Steam Generator System, Helium Circulator System, and Reactor Cavity Cooling System). This role will focus specifically on the development of the assembly processes, tools, interfaces, prototypes, testing, and feedback to design for the core graphite structures. This includes concept development, evaluation of concepts, analysis of systems, structures, and components for their ability to perform their intended function, and ensuring they meet all technical specifications and requirements. The role will ensure the development of the graphite assembly through production including any necessary prototyping, testing, and commissioning.

Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities

• Execute the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Provide ownership, responsibility, and accountability over technical scope involving the coordination of multiple individual contributors working in a specific area.
• Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or identify structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for use in nuclear products or facilities with a focus on nuclear safety.
• Identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis and criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders/systems engineers and support identifying applicable industry codes and standards and the direction of project leads and systems engineers.
• Planning and performing the analysis required to assess aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.
• Perform computations utilizing hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as required at the direction of project leads and systems engineers to ensure SSCs can meet technical requirements.
• The role may include specialization in one or more of the following areas:
  • Mechanical Design
    • Develop innovative mechanical solutions to refine and deploy concepts, technologies, and designs associated with X-energy developed 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 supporting scoping and sizing calculations to down select design features to meet design requirements using guidance from consensus codes and standards.
    • Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of reactor SSCs.
    • Structural Design
      • Perform and assist structural analysis for systems, structures, and components of X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, nuclear fuel, and high temperature materials such as graphite.
      • Use engineering tools, including finite element analysis (FEA) simulation software, hand calculations, and engineering judgment, to assess stress, deformation, degradation behavior, and lifetime mechanical performance of these nuclear reactor components.
        • Support the assessment of SSCs for manufacturability as well as assembly and integration considerations at the direction of project leads.
        • Write and develop design documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures.
        • Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolset.
        • 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.
          
          Job Profile Minimum Qualifications
          
          • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an ABET accredited university required.
          • Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required. 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.
          • Hands-on experience with graphite or other non-metallic components, fabrication or assembly sequencing, and/or tooling development preferred. Proficiency with engineering hand calculations is required.
          • Experience and/or knowledge in a minimum of one of the following areas:
            • Mechanical Design
              
              - Designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.
              
              - One plus years of demonstrated hands-on experience developing and delivering hardware or manufacturing processes in a production environment is required. May include industry internship experience, hobby, or participation in collegiate engineering projects such as: Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, Rocket Club, etc.
              
              - Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight.
              
              - Use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software. (e.g. UG/NX, SolidWorks, Pro-Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar.)
              
            • Structural Analysis
              
              - Analytical experience with structural analysis hand calculations and structural FEA software programs (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, NASTRAN, FEMAP, CAESAR, ROHR, LS-DYNA, PIPESTRESS).
              
              Location: 530 Gaither Road, Rockville MD
              Work Site Expectations: 4-5 days in office
              
              Travel Expectations: up to 10% as needed
              
              Hours: Standard office schedule are 8:00am-5:00pm ET, Mon-Fri
              
              Compensation
              
              As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.
              
              A reasonable estimate for this position at the level of experience required is:
              Level III: $109,890 to $140,415; Level IV: $135,630 to $173,305
              
              Position Job Classification
              Full time - Exempt
              
              Benefits
              
              X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.
              
              An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
              
              X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.
              
              Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)
              
              E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish

Keywords: X-Energy, LLC, Towson , Mechanical Engineer (Graphite Assembly), Engineering , Rockville, Maryland