X-energy · 17 hours ago
Senior Piping and Valve Design Engineer
Rockville, MD
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$144K/yr - $240K/yr
15+ years expX-energy is seeking a Senior Piping and Valve Design Engineer responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components. The role includes concept development, analysis, and ensuring systems meet technical specifications throughout production, including prototyping and testing.
EnergyRenewable EnergyClean EnergyCleanTechNuclear
Hiring Manager
Adam Drosdak
Responsibilities
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 downselect design features to meet design requirements using guidance from consensus codes and standards
Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of reactor SSCs
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
Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and extensive latitude for independent judgement
Teach and mentor more junior team members
Stay abreast of industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices
Perform other duties as assigned by manager
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an accredited institution required
Typically, fifteen 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
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
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
Mechanical Process Equipment: Piping, Ducting, HVAC, Fire Suppression, Pumps, Valves
Preferred
Serve as the technical lead / design authority for the helium check valve design
Develop and own the check valve specification inclusive of all component functions and requirements
Own the helium check valve design/analysis report and system description document
Oversee check valve supplier work
Develop and own the supplier interface control document. Facilitate development of interfaces between supplier and X-energy organizations
Review engineering analyses including valve thermal-hydraulic analyses, structural, and valve mechanism kinematics. Manage CAD models and drawings. Perform check valve FMEA
Previous experience designing valves
Experience with ASME BPVC Section III
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
Stack CapitalJane Street CapitalPittco Management
2026-01-28Private Equity· $5M
2025-11-24Series D· $700M
2025-03-05Private Equity· $22.8M
Leadership Team
J. Clay Sell
Chief Executive Officer
Robert Taylor
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Licensing
Recent News
2026-01-16
MIT Technology Review
2026-01-13
Company data provided by crunchbase