Computational Materials Engineer II-III

Job Description

This role is responsible for performing engineering tasks associated with selecting, qualifying, and conducting lifetime assessment analyses for materials in a nuclear reactor or nuclear facility.

• Develop and implement methodologies to qualify and characterize materials, especially metallic alloys, graphite, composites, and welding materials for nuclear reactor applications including 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 basis for material qualifications.
• Use engineering tools, including appropriate simulation software, hand calculations, and engineering judgment, assess microscale behavior, grain boundaries, surface effects, degradation behavior (corrosion, oxidation kinetics, neutron damage, etc.), and lifetime performance of materials.
• The role may include specialization in one or more of the following areas.
• Perform and assist 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.
• Collect and use data to support the generation of constitutive material models / analytical tools and perform and assist structural integrity, cracking, dimensional change, and stress/deformation evaluations for irradiated graphite.
• Support the assessment of SSCs for response to environmental conditions at the direction of project leads.
• Consider effects of tribology and material property evolution on system and component design as a function of temperature and environment.
• Write and develop design and analysis documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures, as well as industry publications and engagement in professional forums.
• Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolsets.
• 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.

• Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., chemical, nuclear, mechanical etc.) from an accredited institution.
• 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.
• Experience with nonmetallic materials behavior (e.g. ceramic / composite / graphite / brittle materials).

• Understanding statistical methods, probability concepts, and uncertainty analysis approaches.
• Programming experience (with Python preferred), including:
• Data analysis and visualization capabilities.
• Basic scripting for automation and data processing.
• Ability to learn and work with engineering software interfaces.
• Foundation in mathematical and computational methods including:
• Statistics and probability.
• Numerical methods.
• Data analysis techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to document technical work clearly.
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving…