Test Hardware Design Engineer

Overview

X‑Energy is seeking a Test Hardware Design Engineer to join our nuclear auxiliary systems prototype development team. The role involves designing, manufacturing, integrating, and testing mechanical systems, assemblies, and components for nuclear product and facility development.

• Develop mechanical/physical concepts and design support for processes creating or identifying structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for nuclear applications focused on nuclear safety.
• Identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis, and criteria; coordinate with stakeholders and systems engineers.
• Plan and perform analyses to assess SSC functionality and technical specifications.
• Perform hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations.
• Develop innovative mechanical solutions for X‑Energy reactors, including pressure vessels, piping, reactor internals, nuclear fuel, and high‑temperature materials such as graphite.
• Integrate design activities across team members, partners, and suppliers; perform scoping and sizing calculations to down‑select features.
• Create and maintain CAD‑generated engineering models of reactor SSCs.
• Support assessment of SSC manufacturability, assembly, and integration considerations.
• Write and develop design documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings.
• Develop verification and validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolsets.
• Conduct work in accordance with X‑Energy quality procedures for design and configuration management.
• Provide independent and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
• Lead execution of core tasks and responsibilities with latitude for independent judgment.
• Teach and mentor junior team members.
• Stay current with industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior in all communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, chemical) from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency with engineering hand calculations and use of CAD and PLM software.
• Hardware ownership, including manufacturing and testing oversight.
• One or more years of hands‑on experience developing and delivering hardware or manufacturing processes in a production environment.
• Experience with collegiate engineering projects such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, Rocket Club, etc.
• Experience designing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.

• Professional experience in commercial nuclear power design, qualification, licensing, and construction using ASME boiler & pressure vessel code (Section III/Section VIII).
• Experience with hand‑tools and handling equipment for assembly of mechanical systems or components.
• Experience designing and developing specialized test setups, tooling, and handling equipment for mechanical system performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of metrology techniques for inspection, fit checks, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with instrumentation selection and use for testing electro‑mechanical systems.
• Experience working in hazardous industrial environments with training in safety (Lockout/Tagout, RoP, HV, etc.).
• Data‑analysis proficiency (MATLAB, Python, or similar) and experience with data‑acquisition systems (LabVIEW or similar).
• Experience with prototype development and experimental testing in R&D or laboratory settings.
• Experience with NRC regulations and licensing requirements for safety‑related systems.
• Experience with design using ASME BPV Code, ASME B31.1, B31.3, and other industry standards.
• Mechanical design experience of heat exchangers, boilers, or steam generators.
• Mechanical process equipment selection, sizing, and specification development (piping, ducting, HVAC, fire suppression, pumps, valves, etc.).
• Design of high‑pressure and high‑temperature fluid or gas valves, and procurement/manufacturing oversight of pressure vessels or large metallic components.
• Hands‑on experience with graphite or other…