Manager, Space Nuclear Projects

Engineering Rockville, Maryland


Description

X Energy, LLC is a nuclear reactor and fuel design engineering company.  We develop Generation IV high-temp gas cooled nuclear reactors and the TRISO-X fuel to power them. The primary function of our reactors is to produce clean, carbon-free electricity or high-temperature process steam.  The key objective of our company is to develop designs that provide advantages in sustainability, economics, reliability, and safety relative to current day power generation units.


X-energy is seeking a Manager, Space Nuclear Projects responsible for the planning, budget, schedule, and execution of space nuclear projects, which may include Fission Surface Power (FSP), Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP), and other related space-based fission and radioisotope systems.
This work includes tight integration with the Business Development team to generate proposals for new projects, close coordination with partners in the aerospace industry, and oversight of subcontractor performance. The Space Nuclear Projects Manager ensures compliance with contractual and technical requirements, communicate projects needs and responsibilities to subcontracted vendor organizations, joint venture partners, and internal matrixed teams. This includes leading evaluation/resolution of implementation strategies, identifying opportunities for process improvement, and managing the execution of project personnel. This role interfaces with various teams, including project controls, engineering, licensing, supply chain, quality, safety, manufacturing, testing, operations, and/or construction functions. 
 
X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interviews to discuss qualifications and responsibilities.  All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/.  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 www.x-energy.com/contact-us.
Responsibilities: 
  • Manage the proposal, development, and execution of space nuclear projects, including project budget, schedule, execution plan, quality plan, risk management plan, deliverables/CDRLs, and other contractually defined elements.
  • This position may include specialization in one or more of the following areas:
    • Lunar or Martian Fission Surface Power (FSP) system design
    • Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) system design
    • Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) system design
    • Microreactor design
  • Maintain familiarity with relevant space nuclear policies and regulations, (e.g., NSPM-20, SPD-6, and the UN Outer Space Treaty).
  • Coordinate inputs and performance commitments from the matrixed departments that support project execution (Finance, Subcontracts/Procurement, Engineering, Licensing, Quality/Safety, etc.). This includes activity/delivery schedules, cost estimates, subcontracting requirements, quality requirements, regulatory requirements, deliverable definition, etc.
  • Coordinate across other related/dependent projects where common customers, designs, and/or documentation exist.
  • Review and approve business analyses and determination of “make/buy” and subcontracting decisions. Engage in subcontract negotiations/execution as necessary to ensure contract requirements are adhered to.
  • Make decisions on how and whether recommended technical and programmatic approaches will achieve contract goals and requirements in line with project governance.
  • Manage performance of subcontractors, partners, and internal solid-line and matrixed staff through interim reports, status meetings, documentation, design reviews, and deliverables to ensure efforts are being completed as agreed to.
  • Manage project performance measures – risk management, scheduling/program planning, document management, cost adherence/variance analysis/earned value, deliverables status, technical performance measures/specification adherence, other.
  • Define deliverable acceptability; communicate this through process control, interface, and performance documentation (specifications); and determine acceptability of deliverables based on acceptance criteria.
  • Make decisions on acceptability of deliverables, products/SSCs, and the system to achieve customer’s performance, quality, safety, operational, and programmatic requirements in line with project governance.
  • Actively supports the safety culture and ensure integration of quality in all relevant processes by complying with the requirements of the Quality Assurance Program.
  • Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager.
 
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering, or related discipline from an ABET accredited institution.
  • Typically, ten plus years’ experience as an engineer and/or engineering manager in the aerospace or nuclear industry.
  • Experience in end-to-end complex system development, from concept to qualified hardware/system delivery.
  • Experience as a technical lead, proposal manager, or pursuit lead.
  • Experience working under industry regulatory codes and QA programs (e.g., NQA-1, AS9100, ISO-9001).
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: 

  • Manager, Space Nuclear Projects $170,000 to 215,050 

 
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.
 
Location: Rockville, MD
Work Site Expectations:  On- Site
Travel Expectations: 
15%
Job Classification:
 Full-time, Exempt

Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, Mon-Fri  
 
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. 
E-Verify Participation Link:  E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish