Deputy Director of Mechanical Engineering

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 The Deputy Director of Mechanical Engineering will serve as a key member of the Mechanical Engineering leadership team, supporting the Director as both a technical authority and strategic leader for a specialized team designing and developing engineering solutions for critical systems, structures, and components such as the reactor and steam generator systems for X-energy's Xe-100 plant. This technical solutions-focused leader will make sound engineering judgments on complex design & analysis issues while managing critical interfaces between diverse technical disciplines. Overseeing approximately 60 to 90 engineers and their technical leads, this role requires exceptional collaborative leadership to coordinate with multidisciplinary design and analysis teams, operations personnel, and manufacturing stakeholders throughout the design process. The Deputy Director will strategically allocate resources to critical path activities, solve complex problems amid competing technical requirements, develop engineering talent, drive a culture of engineering excellence, and effectively communicate sophisticated concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences. Success in this position demands a deep understanding of mechanical systems combined with the ability to ensure designs and technical solutions meet regulatory requirements, performance specifications, and project timelines while navigating the complex interdependencies of reactor system development. This position is responsible for providing leadership, management, and technical oversight to multiple teams of engineers responsible for performing across multiple subdisciplines of mechanical engineering across all projects and programs. This senior management role manages a team of engineering managers, leads, and mechanical engineers that provide technical expertise in one or more areas of mechanical engineering for X-energy nuclear reactor design projects. This includes directing the work of both managers and individual contributors on the team, at the discretion of projects which they are supporting, providing organizational support for the project team, and assisting with the design, analysis and drafting of systems, structures, and components for various advanced reactor plants. Responsibilities Oversees the execution of the mechanical design, analysis, and evaluation of assigned projects using sound engineering principles and adhering to business standards, practices, procedures, and product / program requirements. Oversees the utilization of engineering resources across multiple projects and ensures qualified engineers are performing assigned work. Adjudicates technical differences within their area of responsibility to determine best option, while fostering a healthy engineering dialogue. Oversees design cycle sprints and provides direction to ensure the convergence of efforts of engineering team members, partners, and suppliers to ensure the successful delivery of high‑quality engineering work products on schedule and within budget as defined by the Project leadership. Manages staff by ensuring they are meeting expectations and promoting their professional development. Develops the strategy, methodology and technical tools for the area of responsibility, including control of resources, policy formulation, and ways in which technical work is executed. Interprets simple internal and external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes, tools, or services. Uses high level of judgement to make decisions and handle complex tasks or problems in areas of operations, product management, manufacturing, technology, or engineering. Assesses quality of information given and asks pertinent questions to stakeholders. Offers new solutions to problems outside of set parameters and can construct and provide recommendations. Work within a multidisciplinary engineering team to create the next generation nuclear power plants. Perform work in accordance with design control procedures, ensuring thorough documentation of work, facilitation of internal and external design reviews, and control of product design configuration data. Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication. Perform other duties as assigned by manager. Job Profile Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline from an accredited university or college. Typically, twelve years of engineering experience. Graduate degrees typically count as two plus years of experience. Experience and/or knowledge in a minimum of one of the following areas: Structural Analysis Analytical experience with structural analysis hand calculations and structural FEA software programs (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, NASTRAN, FEMAP, CAESAR, ROHR, LS‑DYNA, PIPESTRESS). Thermodynamics Use of 1D flow‑solvers performing heat/energy and mass balance (e.g., RELAP, Flownex, NPSS, SINDA/FLUINT, Flomaster, or similar). Thermal Hydraulics Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis codes (e.g., STAR‑CCM+, Fluent, or similar). Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering or related field 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role Experience in the nuclear industry, preferably with advanced reactor technology development Strong understanding of ASME codes, particularly those related to nuclear components Demonstrated success managing engineering teams of 25+ people Excellent communication skills, with ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences Experience with project management methodologies and budget oversight Knowledge of mechanical systems relevant to reactor system development (heat exchangers, pressure vessels, etc.) Proven track record of mentoring and developing engineering talent Familiarity with nuclear regulatory requirements and safety culture Location 530 Gaither Road, Rockville MD Work Site Expectations 4 days in office Travel Expectations up to 10% as needed Hours Standard office schedule are 8:00am‑5:00pm ET, Mon‑Fri 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. A reasonable estimate for this position at the level of experience required is: $164,550 - $274,250 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. If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away () E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish #J-18808-Ljbffr