Mechanical Design Engineer II

Position Description

X Energy, LLC is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer II responsible for completing the design of, and assisting with analysis of, structures, systems, and components for various advanced reactors, including High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs), Microreactors, Lunar Fission Surface Power (FSP) reactors, and other terrestrial and space reactor concepts. The position requires interaction with other disciplines such as nuclear reactor dynamics, radiation shielding, thermal-hydraulics, structural mechanics, materials, system analysis, instrumentation and control, and other general engineering disciplines to understand the interfaces, dependencies, and influence of those subsystems on the mechanical behaviors and modular design.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical/physical concepts, designs and support development of processes to create structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for use in nuclear products or facilities. Understand how nuclear safety relates to system engineering and the work performed on a day-to-day occurrence. Examples include: reactor core structures, pressure vessels, control drive assemblies, core reflectors, heat rejection systems, heat exchangers, and transportation packages.

• Identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis and criteria by coordinating with project leads, key stakeholders, and systems engineers to support identifying applicable industry codes and standards.

• Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of SCCs using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system.

• Support hardware development and prototype manufacturing and testing efforts as a cognizant engineer.

• Perform analysis utilizing hand calculations and support, or perform, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate components.

• Assess SSCs for manufacturability as well as assembly and integration considerations.

• Support design efforts with fluid dynamics, seismic/structural dynamics, electrical, neutronic, manufacturing, and other systems to understand impacts and ensure compatibility with each.

• Write and develop design documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures.

• 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.

• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Minimum Education/ Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Nuclear Engineering, or related engineering discipline from an ABET accredited university required.

• 3-4 years of experience in an engineering role required (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience).

• Master's degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering or a related field strongly preferred.

• Prior mechanical or aerospace hardware ownership or hardware development (manufacturing & testing leadership and support) experience strongly preferred.

• Experience with CAD modeling software (Siemens NX is preferred; SolidWorks, PTC CREO, etc. also acceptable).

• Experience designing structures, systems, or components for safety related applications in a highly regulated environment (NRC, FAA, FDA, etc.) is preferred.

• Experience performing hand calculations and employing first-order engineering principles to size components, assess feasibility of concepts, and check analytical results is strongly desired.

• Experience performing or supporting structural analysis or thermal analysis using FEA software (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS, or similar) is desired.

• Prior coding experience and experience employing numerical methods to solve engineering problems is strongly preferred (Excel/VBA, MATLAB, Python, etc.)

• Experience with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is desired.

• Knowledge of high temperature metal, ceramic, or composite material behavior and manufacturing techniques is desired.

• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM), and product development process rigor (e.g., design reviews, configuration and change control) is a plus.

• Ability to work in a team to produce desired outputs in short turnaround times.

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

• Flexibility and adaptability to excel in a dynamic, fast-paced design and development environment.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance strongly desired.

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.

Location: Rockville, MD

Work Site Expectations: Onsite/Hybrid (at least 3-4 days per week in company office)

Travel Expectations: 15%

Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, Mon-Fri

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)

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