Chemical Engineer

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without an 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 X-energy LLC is hiring a mid-level Chemical Engineer to support the design, implementation, and optimization of chemical processes and systems used in the production of materials and products. The role works cross-functionally with project leadership and other engineering disciplines to deliver on defined project objectives. The focus of this engineering role is on thermal‑hydraulic and process systems engineering for High‑Temperature Gas‑cooled Reactors (HTGRs). Responsibilities include modeling, analysis, and integration of chemical, mechanical, and thermal systems. The position applies a chemical engineering background in nuclear applications, with particular emphasis on thermal‑fluid modeling tools (e.g., ASPEN, COMSOL), high‑temperature materials behavior, and reactor systems integration. This role supports the full lifecycle of HTGR systems and components, from design and analysis to qualification. Job Responsibilities Collaborate in planning, scheduling, and execution of engineering tasks across multiple phases of HTGR system development. Provide technical oversight and direction to internal and external design teams, ensuring adherence to project objectives and quality standards. Lead and participate in reviews and presentations for internal and customer design evaluations, focusing on chemical and thermal‑hydraulic system performance. Translate customer needs into functional requirements, contributing to the definition and validation of chemical engineering specifications and interface documents. Organize and coordinate efforts between chemical engineering, systems engineering, nuclear design, and external stakeholders, including suppliers and contractors. Maintain professional conduct in all forms of communication and project engagement. Develop and validate thermal‑hydraulic models for HTGR cores, secondary systems, and balance‑of‑plant using advanced simulation tools such as ASPEN, COMSOL, and other process modeling platforms. Conduct system‑level heat and mass balance analyses for steady‑state and transient operating conditions, including load‑following and accident scenarios. Integrate chemical engineering principles into HTGR plant design, covering helium Brayton and Rankine cycles, heat exchanger networks, hydrogen production, tritium control, and off‑gas systems. Evaluate high‑temperature material behavior—including oxidation, corrosion, and creep—for alloys, graphite, and reactor‑grade materials under HTGR‑relevant conditions. Support the specification, sizing, and performance evaluation of key system components such as recuperators, compressors, turbomachinery, and helium circulators. Execute or review CFD and FEA analyses to support component‑level assessments of flow distribution, thermal gradients, and structural integrity. Contribute to plant operational strategies including control schemes, startup/shutdown procedures, and accident mitigation approaches. Support licensing and QA efforts through preparation of technical reports, engineering calculations, and safety analyses in compliance with NRC and ASME standards. Lead or mentor small engineering teams in solving complex design and integration challenges within HTGR systems. Execute the core tasks and responsibilities listed above with minimal supervision. Provide ownership, responsibility, and accountability over technical scope involving the coordination of multiple individual contributors working in a specific area. Perform other duties as assigned by the manager. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related degree from an accredited institution. Typically, five years of experience in a chemical engineering role. 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. 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. Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD). Knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA). Preferred Qualifications Experience working in the nuclear industry. Location 530 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850 Work Site Expectations 4 days a week in office Travel Expectations Up to 10% as needed Hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Mon‑Fri Compensation Salary: $100,000 – $140,000 (based on qualifications) Position Classification Full time – Exempt Benefits 401(k) plan with employer match, Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development. Equal Opportunity Employer 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. E‑Verify Participation 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