Principal Nuclear Assurance Engineer

Job Description This role plays a pivotal role in advancing small modular reactor development projects by proactively identifying and removing obstacles to ensure consistent progress toward key milestones. This position requires exceptional skills in cross‑functional coordination and the ability to influence without direct authority to drive initiatives forward. The role synthesizes complex technical information from across the organization to enable timely executive decision‑making while upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety and quality. At this level, the role is expected to operate as a recognized subject matter expert and strategic leader, shaping engineering strategy across major programs, influencing organizational priorities, and driving resolution of the most complex issues affecting project execution, stakeholder alignment, and long‑term business success. Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities Identify, track, and proactively remove roadblocks across HTGR reactor development projects to maintain progress against critical timelines. Coordinate with technical leads, Engineering, Procurement, Business Development, and regulatory stakeholders to resolve cross‑functional challenges. Consolidate and distill complex technical information into concise, actionable intelligence for executive leadership. Work directly with Business Development and Licensing Teams to promote relationship building internally and externally, such as in early discovery conversations to ensure credibility. Establish effective communication channels between technical teams internally and externally, ensuring alignment of priorities and resources. Lead cross‑functional initiatives through influence and relationship‑building rather than direct authority. Facilitate and assist in the assessment of customer needs and capture requirements and functions related to plant design including the nuclear island systems and conventional island systems. Create and maintain project documentation, decision matrices, and status reports for communication to leadership, the organization, or external partners and clients. Support change management processes when project scope or requirements evolve. Develop and track performance metrics to measure project health and progress. Anticipate potential obstacles before they impact schedules and develop contingency plans. Lead resolution of the most complex, high‑impact cross‑functional issues affecting reactor development strategy, program execution, and external stakeholder commitments. Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership by framing issues, evaluating options, and recommending paths forward on significant technical and programmatic matters. Drive alignment across the organization on engineering strategy, program priorities, and execution risks where competing interests or ambiguity exist. Mentor more junior team members and share knowledge related to engineering strategy, project coordination, and cross‑functional execution across the organization. Represent the organization with internal and external stakeholders on highly sensitive, technically complex, or strategically important matters. Always maintain a professional demeanor and behavior in all forms of communication. Perform other duties as assigned by manager. Job Profile Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, preferably in mechanical, chemical, electrical or other related discipline, or 5 years of experience in lieu of degree. Typically, twenty years of experience in a role in Engineering or related field required. Experience in engineering project environments. Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives without direct authority. Experience with project management methodologies. Demonstrated experience leading enterprise‑level or highly complex strategic initiatives across multiple technical and business functions. Recognized ability to influence organizational direction, resolve highly ambiguous issues, and drive results on matters of major strategic importance. Preferred Qualifications 15 years’ experience in nuclear and non‑nuclear audit activities. Location Rockville, MD Work Site Expectations Local Hybrid (3-4 days in office) / Remote eligible for non-local Travel Expectations 5% (as needed for project assignment) 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. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr X-energy