X-energy · 1 month ago
Engineer III, Nuclear Fire Protection
Rockville, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$85K/yr - $142K/yr
5+ years expX-energy is a company focused on nuclear energy solutions, and they are seeking an Engineer III specializing in Nuclear Fire Protection. This role involves designing and developing fire protection systems for nuclear power plants, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and regulatory requirements, and overseeing the implementation of engineering processes.
Clean EnergyCleanTechEnergyNuclearRenewable Energy
Responsibilities
Execute the core tasks and responsibilities, listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, with minimal supervision
Develop mechanical/physical system design concepts, design and support development of processes to create structures, systems, and components (SSCs)
Planning/structuring scope for the analyses required to assess aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet design requirements and specifications
Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data
Oversee documentation to applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis and criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders/systems engineers and identifying applicable industry codes and standards. Have a thorough understanding of the requirements contained within industry codes and standards and the intent which is implied
Direct the planning for the analyses required to assess all aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet all technical specifications and requirements
Supervise performance of computations utilizing hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as required to ensure SSCs can meet all technical requirements
Oversee procured items and associated documentation for acceptance and verify compliance of procured services and material with contract specifications
Develop and manage implementation of engineering changes in accordance with approved procedures
Provide ownership, responsibility, and accountability over technical scope involving the coordination of multiple individual contributors working in a specific area
Design and develop fire protection systems and components
Understand how nuclear safety relates to fire protection engineering and the work performed on a day-to-day occurrence
Identify, collect, and document applicable fire protection requirements, interfaces, design basis and criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders/systems engineers and support identifying applicable industry codes and standards including NFPA codes, 10 CFR 50 Appendix R, and Regulatory Guide 1.189
Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models for fire protection systems including detection, suppression, and passive fire barriers
Perform computations and analyses for fire protection systems as required to ensure SSCs can meet technical requirements, including hydraulic calculations for sprinkler systems, smoke control analyses, and fire barrier qualification assessments
Write and develop design documentation including, but not limited to, fire hazard analyses, safe shutdown analyses, design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, design descriptions and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures
Perform Systems Engineering processes for the designed fire protection systems and components
Demonstrate project management skills to effectively organize and lead external engineering partners in fire protection system implementation
Develop the technical content for and support the procurement of fire protection material, equipment, and services
Review system engineering documentation from other systems for technical correctness, fire protection impacts, and compliance with X-energy processes and procedures and participate in design reviews for other systems
Actively support the safety culture and ensure integration of quality in all Fire Protection Engineering processes by complying with the relevant requirements of the Quality Assurance Program
Identify, document, report and manage fire protection system and project risks to ensure they are visible and mitigated accordingly
Develop/review/revise compliance plans that demonstrate Life Safety code requirements and other fire protection code requirements are being met
Consult with and advise operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel on the fire protection impacts of new or proposed changes to processes, procedures, and facility designs/modifications
Design surveillances, inspections, walk-downs, investigations, and audits/assessments of plant operations related to fire protection to ensure compliance with approved procedures and safety bases
Participate in Process Hazards Analysis activities with multidiscipline teams to identify potential fire/explosion hazards and their interactions with nuclear safety systems
Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are met
Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication
Perform other duties as assigned by manager
Qualification
Required
Typically five years of experience in a mechanical 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)
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
Typically, experience with mechanical process equipment design, procurement, installation, and/or operation is required
Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline from an ABET accredited university required
Systems or Design Engineering experience in successful fire protection system development projects with a focus on nuclear related projects
Experience with design and operation of fire protection systems including, but not limited to, sprinkler systems, fire detection systems, fire barriers, smoke control systems, and fire water supply systems
Knowledge of fire science and fire dynamics: fire and smoke behavior, fire growth, combustion, material properties, and heat transfer
Working knowledge of relevant fire protection codes and standards, including NFPA codes (particularly NFPA 804/805 for nuclear facilities), 10 CFR 50 Appendix R, Regulatory Guide 1.189, and the International Building Code
Working knowledge of fire suppression, detection, and other active fire protection systems, including selection, design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance
Experience using fire modeling computer codes and models to define potential fire scenarios and consequences
Knowledge of system requirements management, and verification
Knowledge of Systems Engineering processes, as well as relevant aspects of nuclear power plant licensing, regulatory, quality, and safety requirements
Understanding of the balance between fire protection requirements and nuclear safety requirements, including considerations for safe shutdown analysis
Technical proficiency in fundamentals of mechanical design for structural and fluidic components related to fire protection systems
Benefits
401K plan with an employer match
Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy
Company
X-energy
X-energy is a nuclear energy company that develops small modular nuclear reactors and nuclear fuels for clean energy generation.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
X-energy has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (1)
2022 (2)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.71BKey Investors
Jane Street CapitalPittco ManagementDepartment for Energy Security & Net Zero
2025-11-24Series D· $700M
2025-03-05Private Equity· $22.8M
2024-10-16Series C· $700M
Leadership Team
J. Clay Sell
Chief Executive Officer
Robert Taylor
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Licensing
Recent News
2026-01-06
Crunchbase News
2025-12-17
Company data provided by crunchbase