X

X-energy

Develops SMR reactors and TRISO fuel

Graphite Materials Manager

Mechanical EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeGaithersburg, MD, USA

About the Job

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related engineering discipline, such as chemical, nuclear, or mechanical engineering, from an accredited institution.
  • Typically, ten years of engineering experience; a master's degree in engineering or a related field may substitute for two years of experience, and a Ph.D. in engineering or a related field may substitute for three years of experience.
  • Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may substitute for years of experience.
  • Experience or knowledge in at least one of the following areas: nonmetallic materials behavior, such as ceramic, composite, graphite, or brittle materials; assessment of oxidation, corrosion, and associated material property evolution; or assessment of radiation aging and associated material property evolution.
  • Ability to assess microscale behavior, grain boundaries, surface effects, degradation behavior, and lifetime performance of materials.
  • Ability to perform and assist with structural integrity, cracking, dimensional change, and stress/deformation evaluations for irradiated graphite.
  • Ability to interpret business challenges and recommend best practices; use judgment to make decisions and handle complex engineering tasks or problems; and define scope and level-of-effort estimates for supported work.
  • Ability to prepare design and analysis documentation, including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings, in accordance with applicable procedures.
  • Ability to perform work in accordance with quality procedures for design and configuration management and project quality requirements.
  • Ability to provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.

Responsibilities

  • Manage development and implementation of methodologies to qualify and characterize graphite and composite materials for nuclear reactor applications 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 the basis for material qualifications.
  • Manage the team's work using engineering tools, including simulation software, hand calculations, and engineering judgment.
  • Assess microscale behavior, grain boundaries, surface effects, degradation behavior, and lifetime performance of materials.
  • Lead the team responsible for performing and assisting material degradation analysis for graphite and composite components of X-energy-developed reactors, including graphite core assemblies, and assessment of as-manufactured, irradiated, and oxidized data.
  • Coordinate collection and use of data to support generation of constitutive material models and analytical tools, and perform and assist structural integrity, cracking, dimensional change, and stress/deformation evaluations for irradiated graphite.
  • Manage engineering resources across multiple projects and ensure qualified engineers perform assigned work.
  • Adjudicate technical differences within the area of responsibility and determine the best option while fostering engineering dialogue.
  • Manage staff, ensure they meet expectations, and promote their professional development.
  • Influence strategy, methodology, and technical tools for the area of responsibility, including resource control, policy formulation, and execution of technical work.
  • Consider effects of tribology and material property evolution on system and component design as a function of temperature and environment.
  • Write, develop, and coordinate design and analysis documentation, as well as industry publications and engagement in professional forums.
  • Manage development of verification and validation plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolsets.
  • Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience managing personnel on technical engineering teams.
  • Familiarity with nonmetallic materials behavior, including graphite, ceramics, composites, and brittle materials, or with anisotropic material systems.
  • Experience with material testing.
  • Familiarity with version control systems and collaborative development practices.
  • Understanding of nuclear industry codes and standards for materials.
  • Experience working in quality-assured engineering environments.
  • Background in graphite, ceramics, or anisotropic materials, with strong analytical foundations and eagerness to develop expertise in nuclear materials applications.
  • Earned Value Management Schedule familiarity.
  • Ability to plan multiple project budgets in the near and long term.
  • Experience writing contracts with external partners.

About the Company

X-energy

Develops SMR reactors and TRISO fuel

X-energy designs and develops Generation IV high-temperature gas-cooled pebble-bed reactors and the TRISO-X fuel for small modular reactors (SMRs). Its modular reactor units use TRISO fuel to operate at high temperatures, producing heat that powers electricity generation or process heat through conventional power cycles, with safety features built into the fuel and design. The company differentiates itself by combining a fully modular Gen IV gas-coooled platform with proprietary TRISO-X fuel and a clear path toward commercialization backed by substantial financing. Its goal is to deliver cleaner, safer nuclear energy at commercial scale by completing design, obtaining regulatory clearance, and deploying its SMR technology and fuel.

Company size
1,001-5,000
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Rockville, MD
Founded
2009

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