Fire Protection Design Engineer

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at

Job Description
This role is responsible for designing and developing fire protection systems for nuclear power plants. It includes identifying fire protection requirements, conceptualizing system architecture and developing the layout through final design, performing fire hazard analyses, selecting and specifying fire protection equipment and components ensuring they meet all technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and program/project requirements. Additionally, this role oversees the implementation of rigorous, repeatable Fire Protection Engineering processes, ensures technical integration, monitors risks, and provides system-level oversight and support. The position is responsible for managing the entire effort to bring the fire protection system from initial requirements to a fully functional operational state in accordance with X-energy design guides and standards, applicable codes and regulations, and sound engineering principles.

Job Profile Tasks/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.
  

Job Profile Minimum Qualifications:

• Typically, five years of experience in a mechanical engineering role required for a level III (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, ten years of experience in a mechanical engineering role required for a level IV. (Remote Eligible)
  
• Typically, fifteen years of experience in a mechanical engineering role required for a level V. (Remote Eligible)
  
• Typically, twenty years of experience in a mechanical engineering role required for a level VI. (Remote Eligible)
  
• 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.
  

Location: 530 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD

Work Site Expectations: 4-5 days in office, Remote Eligible
Travel Expectations: 10% (as needed for project assignment), 25% if remote
Hours: Standard office hours are 8:00am ET to 5:00pm ET, Monday -Friday

Compensation

As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.

Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:
Level III: $100,000 - $125,000; Level IV: $125,000 - $150,000; Level V: $160,000 - $190,000; Level VI: $200,000 - $230,000

Position Job Classification
Full time - Exempt

Benefits


X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.


An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.


X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.


Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)

E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish